Summary: Integrating consumer/patient health library with hospital staff library

Thank you to the 17 responders to my query about ingrating consumer/patient 
health collections into the medical library.  

Bed size of responders:
The average was 370 with the largest 600 beds and the smallest having 97 beds.

11 have integrated consumer health collections into their medical libraries to 
one degree or another.  Several have a central staff work area with the 
collections in separate ends of the room and in some cases separate entrances.

7 have separate collections in different locations of the building.

Some comments from libraries:
Staff and consumers like having access to both sets of materials.

Most physicians use email and phone for library staff contact, little foot 
traffic so the two groups don't run into each other very much.

Concern about HIPAA and noise if integrated.

Students prefer separate space.

Being in a convenient, visible location is important for patient/consumer 
collections.

Martha Pedigo, Librarian
Gateway Health System
Health Science Library
1771 Madison Street
Clarksville, TN 37043
Voice:  931-551-1866
Fax:  931-221-2247