How can a medical research library and a volunteer-run patient library collaborate to offer top-tier resources and service to patients? CAMH Education has recently partnered with the CAMH Client (patient) Library to transform the current client library space into a “public library in miniature,” organized and operated to set patients up for success both during their time at CAMH and as they transition to life in the community.
From developing collections policies to suit the need for both consumer health information and leisure reading to using proven methods and curricula to train library volunteers, we will describe and reflect on our collaborative process from start to finish. Most importantly, we will emphasize the critical need for extensive consultation with and input from current client library volunteers, users, and members of the CAMH Empowerment Council, all of whom give an essential voice to the population we serve.
Learning Outcomes
Attendees will:
Learn about best practices for building and maintaining collections for patient libraries
Determine key stakeholders to consult and collaborate with, including patient advocates
Develop and deliver training for patient library volunteers
