The document discusses research conducted by Catherine Micklethwaite on the future of resource discovery in the NHS. It finds that currently NHS libraries use a variety of library management systems, with over 20 different systems in use. Some libraries have discovery systems to search resources. The research aims to understand what systems are wanted for the future, including easy searching, seamless access to resources, and a national inter-library loan system. Realizing these goals faces challenges regarding authentication, getting all NHS libraries to agree to share data and systems, and the financial costs of implementing new national systems.

1. The future of resource
discovery in the NHS
By Catherine Micklethwaite

2. Setting the scene
NHS and related health providers – who are they?
 NHS Trusts (acute, community, mental health, social care)
 GPs and practice staff
 Commissioning organisations
 Social care providers
 Public health
 Non-NHS health provider organisations
 Students on placement

3. Setting the scene - part 2
How are resources purchased?
 Nationally (core content)
 Regionally
 Locally

4. How do our users currently search and
access resources
HDAS – Health Databases Advanced
Search
Pros:
 One interface to search all core
content
 Very exact searching e.g.
command searching, filters
 Includes hyperlinks to available
resources

7. How do our users currently search and
access resources
HDAS – Health Databases Advanced
Search
Pros:
 One interface to search all core
content
 Very exact searching e.g.
command searching, filters
 Includes hyperlinks to available
resources
Cons:
 Advanced search skills required
 Reliability issues

8. How do our users currently search and
access resources – other resources
NICE
evidence
search
Native
interfaces
for
nationally-
purchased
resources
Cochrane library
TRIP database
Google
Google Scholar Library
catalogues
Native interface for
locally-purchased
resources
Discovery
systems
(purchased
locally)
Pubmed

9. Accessing resources
 IP access not feasible
 OpenAthens (national system)
 Link resolver (national system)
 Journals A-Z list

11. My research
 Health Education England
 Funds library provision, resource subscriptions
 Asked me to undertake research work on future of resource discovery in NHS
 Research what?
 Future of library management systems (LMS), inter-library document supply (ILDS)
and end-user resource discovery
 Intelligence about LMSs, Union lists and discovery services currently being used
across England
 Desk research into the future of library service platforms and discovery services

12. My research – what did I do?
Surveys
 LMS (260 replies)
 Discovery systems (46 replies)
 National e-procurement (HEE)
Software demos
Interviews
Desk research

13. Results of the research
What do we currently have?
LMS:
 208 NHS Trust libraries
 Only 8 do not have a LMS
 Mixed collaborative environment
 Regional union catalogues
 Small groups sharing union catalogues
 Individual library LMS
 NHS libraries sharing LMS with local university
 Over 20 different LMS systems in use
 Regional ILDS/ILL agreements

14. Results of the research
Discovery systems:
 Around a quarter of libraries have discovery systems
 Some discovery systems extended to cover other OA org IDs
 Some include institutional repositories
 Predominant method of authentication is OA

15. The million dollar question - What do we
want for the future? – What is feasible?
Definite:
Easy ways to search resources,
including for non-advanced users
Seamless access to resources
National ILDS/ILL request system
Maybe:
National LMS
More contentious:
National discovery system

16. Realities of getting what we want
 Authentication
 Remain on OA
 Active Directory integration
 IP access still a “no”
 National ILDS/ILL system
 Research ongoing into appropriate system that can link to LMS and discovery systems
 Need to get all NHS libraries to sign-up to a national ILL agreement & share data
 National LMS
 Research ongoing for appropriate system – complex requirements, future proofing, financial cost
 National discovery system
 Local customisation required for all 200 Trusts, single national system for other users
 Financial cost, persuasion, time commitment

17. Catherine Micklethwaite
Library Manager, Torbay & South Devon NHS Foundation Trust
Catherine.Micklethwaite@nhs.net 01803 656701 @librarycatmick