The Educational Role of Health Sciences Librarians

THEEDUCATIONAL ROLE OF health sciences librarians in both academic centers and in hospitals is expanding due to influences of new educational models and growing use of technology. Innovative health sciences curricula are being applied in undergraduate and continuing education and of ten incorporate new technologies. The health sciences librarians’ educational responsibilities include teaching access to the literature and other information resources, teaching use of technology as a means to access and manage information, and teaching skills in information organization and critical appraisal. Integration of teaching activities into the health sciences curriculum is a promising trend. The many changes in the health sciences environment present numerous teaching opportunities but also require flexibility, adaptation, and creative solutions on the part of practicing librarians.