Accreditation in the Health Sciences: A Definitive Guide for Libraries explores the role of the library in any health sciences organization's accreditation efforts. This book has been specifically written to address the unique needs of health sciences libraries in supporting an institution's accreditation efforts. The enterprising library professional can treat this title as a manual on how to proactively address the challenges that come with any health sciences related accreditation site visits. The lessons in these chapters will create and build upon valuable opportunities for partnered success between the library and the institution it supports. Library professionals will want to have this guide handy if they need to convey any data to an accrediting agency on behalf of their institution. This book will cover all elements of health sciences libraries and has been written in a way to highlight theories and best practices, rather than specific steps to follow that will easily be outdated with any accrediting body update. In a time when librarians are asked to do more with less, this is especially targeted towards the solo, small team, and/or start up library team to simply and optimize the accreditation experience. Special chapters discuss strategy to advance the library's story will serve as a way to illustrate value and advocate for a well-resourced library. Finally, this book also can serve as an informational tool to accrediting teams themselves to better understand the myriad ways that library services are meaningfully integrated into the institutions they support. Whether working directly in the library or adjacent to it, Accreditation in the Health Sciences will be an asset for a team invested in accreditation success.
Darell Schmick, MLS, MBA, AHIP has over 10 years of experience in academic medical libraries. Currently the library director at Noorda College of Osteopathic Medicine, this will be the second medical school in which he has played an involved role as director in establishing institutional accreditation. Mr. Schmick is an active member of the Medical Library Association, and the Midcontinental Chapter of the Medical Library Association. Currently chair of the Osteopathic Caucus of the Medical Library Association, he has shepherded projects within the caucus to elevate the visibility of Osteopathic Librarians in schools of Osteopathic Medicine.
Contents Part One: Accreditation Fundamentals Introduction Darell Schmick Accrediting Bodies: History and Context Mitzi Norris How the Library can Prepare: Best Practices for Success Roy Brown Maintaining Continuity through Institutional Growth and Personnel Changes Ana Corral and Rachel Helbing Part Two: The Accreditation Process First Time Accreditation Process: Laying the Groundwork Connie Manning, Sonya Lemke, and Darell Schmick Ongoing Accreditation Efforts: Magnet Recognition and the Role of the Librarian Roy Brown and Alison Monpetit Making a Continuous Impact: Library Participation in the Continuous Quality Improvement Process Charlotte M. Beyer From the Source: Collected Insights from Accrediting Officers Darell Schmick, John J. Dougherty, and Jennifer Brown Partners in Accreditation: Library Case Study and Suggestions for Best Practices Elizabeth Hinton, Susan Clark, and Mitzi Norris Part Three: Debrief: Action Items for Follow Up Debrief with the Institution and Library Team Rhonda L. Altonen The Postmortem: Handling Accreditation Success and Failure Joanne Muellenbach Staying in the Conversation: Strategies for Continued Partnership Michele L. Whitehead Librarian Involvement in a School of Medicine Accreditation Initiative: Assessing Information Seeking Skills During Curricular Self-Directed Learning Activities Douglas L. Varner, Grant Connors, Yvonne M. Hernandez, Jeff Weinfeld, G. Ian Gallicano, and Jett McCann Epilogue: Empowering the Library as a Partner in Accreditation Darell Schmick
