What's New

Health Librarian Consulting Services Announced by AHPDF

Monday, January 11, 2010

Allied Health Professional Development Fund Announces

NEW Health Librarian Services Pilot

Valuable new resource to support OT Professional Development

As part of its continuing commitment to occupational therapists and other allied health professionals’ professional development, the Allied Health Professional Development Fund (AHPDF) is pleased announce a new, improved way to access the Electronic Health Library.

In March 2009, a survey of allied health professionals showed that more than 50% of respondents would use the Electronic Health Library if they had access to a professional librarian to assist with their searches. Based on this valuable feedback, we’re pleased to announce the launch of a pilot project through which eligible allied health professionals will have access to one-on-one librarian services when using the Electronic Health Library.

Beginning in January 2010, take advantage of personalized librarian services via email and/telephone. Librarians will be available to assist you in your Electronic Health Library searches, helping you make the most of this valuable information resource.

How can I access these one-on-one librarian services?

Beginning in January 2010, there will be an ‘Ask the Librarian’ link found within the Electronic Health Library site accessed from (www.ahpdf.ca). Simply click the link to submit an email request to the librarian or to obtain telephone information.

What are the benefits of the Electronic Health Library?

Those who already use it know what a tremendous resource the library is. For those who haven’t used it yet, the library provides access to the most recent health care literature to help professionals determine the best approach to evidence-based practice. The AHPDF has invested in a multi-year subscription to this library to support your professional development.

Which professions are eligible?

Professionals eligible for this pilot must be currently registered as an audiologist, speech-language pathologist, dietician, medical laboratory technologist, medical radiation technologist, occupational therapist, pharmacist, physiotherapist or respiratory therapist.

A few Key points:

You must have a user account to access the Electronic Health Library
The librarian/library technician is not to conduct the search for you; it is intended that they will coach and support you in carrying out your own search
You will be required to provide your name, professional designation and registration number prior to commencement of services
you must verbally specify that you are not attending school full time or have access to a health sciences library at your place of employment to qualify for the service
You are limited to one search per month and cannot exceed 4 hours of librarian/library support per search
You will be requested to complete an online user satisfaction survey

We strongly encourage you to take advantage of this valuable information tool. We will provide you with further updates (e.g. FAQs, brochures, etc.) as they become available on the AHPDF website (www.ahpdf.ca).

The Allied Health Professional Development Fund is funded by HealthForceOntario. OSOT is a member of the AHPDF Steering Committee.