Opportunities and Opportunities and Challenges in Challenges in

Providing Global Providing Global Health Information in Health Information in

LiberiaLiberia

Elaine MartinAndrew Creamer

James ComesUniversity of Massachusetts Medical School

OutlineOutline• History-How University of Massachusetts Medical

School started working in Liberia

• HEARTT

• Collaboration with other libraries in the U.S.

• Progress to date

• Challenges

Four VisitsFour Visits

• March 2011—Needs assessment; develop a plan • August 2011—Processing materials; setting

policies in preparation for the opening of the school year

• February 2012—Begin staff training; continue processing; introduce computers

• August 2012– Continue staff training and setting up an automated system and printer and copier

March 31 Meeting:

Identify action items to resolve issues presented

Identify medical library software needs; obtain HINARI password

Assess power, internet, computing capabilities & upgrades needed

Obtain draft operations manual & future status of Italian consultant

Develop additional content needed for operations manual

Gather and simplify library staff job descriptions & employee handbook that can be customized for Liberia

Design and implement staff training needed

Schedule and deliverTraining modules

Obtain basic supplies and containers for transport, storage use

Conduct site visit when schoolis in session to observe libraryuse & services

Once power, internet, computer availability is adequate, obtain and deliver CDs, memory sticks, software.

Install software

Actions taken toResolve identified issues

Donated books sorted and appropriate items ready for processing

Deliver supplies

PHASE1

PHASE 2

PHASE 3

PHASE 4

Liberia Medical LibrariesUpgrade Plan

Ready for the New Ready for the New SemesterSemester

Library as PlaceLibrary as Place

ChallengesChallenges• Lack of basic library supplies for processing

• Lack of fuel for electricity to keep library open at night

• Lack of transportation for staff

• Staff training—basic literacy, library science, and computer skills

• No internet access

Part 2: Part 2: Introducing Introducing

an Automated an Automated SystemSystem

August and September 2012

ConsiderationsConsiderations• Worked with Rong Tang to identify software• Elaine, Penny Glassman and Andrew Creamer

evaluated Librarysoft® software• Simple interface• Basic OPAC, patron and cataloging databases• Ability to upload Excel® spreadsheets • Ability to move data • Hold up to 7,000 materials in the collection• Flexible site license and support

Bumps in the RoadBumps in the Road

Teaching the New Teaching the New SystemSystem

Holding ClassesHolding Classes

ChallengesChallenges• Having each staff member learn each other’s

position• Separating the system’s functions on separate

laptops• Having the knowledge and equipment to back up

the system databases and maintain• Getting the staff to see the IT administrator as an

ally• Integrating an automated workflow into a paper-

based workflow

Adopting New Adopting New PracticesPractices

Teaching How to PrintTeaching How to Print

Bumps in the RoadBumps in the Road

ChallengesChallenges• Have the knowledge to open and locate students’

files using a USB storage device• Have the knowledge to evaluate files before

opening them and exposing the system to potential viruses

• Having the knowledge to run anti-virus applications

• Maintain printer and its supplies

Securing the SystemSecuring the System

Locking Printer and Locking Printer and ComputerComputer

Bolting Down Circ Bolting Down Circ ComputerComputer

Teaching Each OtherTeaching Each Other

Supporting Each Supporting Each OtherOther

Sharing Sharing ResponsibilitiesResponsibilities

Having Staff Buy InHaving Staff Buy In

Bright FutureBright Future

Part 3: Teaching Part 3: Teaching • HINARI and ARDI

• JFK Hospital Outreach

• Outreach to UL and US Embassy Libraries

• Creating a book bank

• Two steps forward forward, one step back

Thank YouThank You

ContactContactElaine MartinElaine.Martin@umassmed.edu

Andrew CreamerAndrew.creamer@umassmed.edu

James ComesJames.Comes@umassmed.edu