The document discusses efforts by the University of Massachusetts Medical School to improve health information access in Liberia through their medical library program. It describes 4 visits between 2011-2012 to conduct needs assessments, process materials, and begin training library staff. Challenges included a lack of supplies, electricity, transportation, and basic skills training for staff. Subsequent sections detail introducing an automated library system, the training process, and ongoing efforts to collaborate with other organizations to expand access to health information in Liberia despite facing ongoing challenges.

1. Opportunities andOpportunities and
Challenges in ProvidingChallenges in Providing
Global HealthGlobal Health
Information in LiberiaInformation in Liberia
Elaine Martin
Andrew Creamer
James Comes
University of Massachusetts Medical School

2. OutlineOutline
• History-How University of Massachusetts Medical
School started working in Liberia
• HEARTT
• Collaboration with other libraries in the U.S.
• Progress to date
• Challenges

3. Four VisitsFour Visits
• March 2011—Needs assessment; develop a plan
• August 2011—Processing materials; setting policies
in preparation for the opening of the school year
• February 2012—Begin staff training; continue
processing; introduce computers
• August 2012– Continue staff training and setting up
an automated system and printer and copier

6. March 31 Meeting:
Identify action
items to resolve
issues presented
Identify medical
library software
needs; obtain
HINARI password
Assess power,
internet, computing
capabilities &
upgrades needed
Obtain draft
operations manual
& future status of
Italian consultant
Develop additional content
needed for operations manual
Gather and simplify library
staff job descriptions &
employee handbook that can
be customized for Liberia
Design and
implement
staff training
needed
Schedule
and
deliver
Training
modules
Obtain basic supplies
and containers for
transport, storage use
Conduct site visit when school
is in session to observe library
use & services
Once power, internet,
computer availability is
adequate, obtain and deliver
CDs, memory sticks,
software.
Install
software
Actions taken to
Resolve identified issues
Donated
books sorted
and
appropriate
items ready
for processing
Deliver supplies
PHASE1
PHASE 2
PHASE 3
PHASE 4
Liberia Medical Libraries
Upgrade Plan

10. Ready for the NewReady for the New
SemesterSemester

11. Library as PlaceLibrary as Place

17. ChallengesChallenges
• Lack of basic library supplies for processing
• Lack of fuel for electricity to keep library open at
night
• Lack of transportation for staff
• Staff training—basic literacy, library science, and
computer skills
• No internet access

19. Part 2:Part 2:
Introducing anIntroducing an
AutomatedAutomated
SystemSystem
August and September 2012

20. ConsiderationsConsiderations
• Worked with Rong Tang to identify software
• Elaine, Penny Glassman and Andrew Creamer
evaluated Librarysoft® software
• Simple interface
• Basic OPAC, patron and cataloging databases
• Ability to upload Excel® spreadsheets
• Ability to move data
• Hold up to 7,000 materials in the collection
• Flexible site license and support

21. Bumps in the RoadBumps in the Road

22. Teaching the New SystemTeaching the New System

23. Holding ClassesHolding Classes

24. ChallengesChallenges
• Having each staff member learn each other’s
position
• Separating the system’s functions on separate
laptops
• Having the knowledge and equipment to back up
the system databases and maintain
• Getting the staff to see the IT administrator as an
ally
• Integrating an automated workflow into a paper-
based workflow

25. Adopting New PracticesAdopting New Practices

26. Teaching How to PrintTeaching How to Print

27. Bumps in the RoadBumps in the Road

28. ChallengesChallenges
• Have the knowledge to open and locate students’
files using a USB storage device
• Have the knowledge to evaluate files before
opening them and exposing the system to potential
viruses
• Having the knowledge to run anti-virus applications
• Maintain printer and its supplies

29. Securing the SystemSecuring the System

30. Locking Printer andLocking Printer and
ComputerComputer

31. Bolting Down CircBolting Down Circ
ComputerComputer

32. Teaching Each OtherTeaching Each Other

33. Supporting Each OtherSupporting Each Other

34. Sharing ResponsibilitiesSharing Responsibilities

35. Having Staff Buy InHaving Staff Buy In

36. Bright FutureBright Future

37. Part 3: TeachingPart 3: Teaching
• HINARI and ARDI
• JFK Hospital Outreach
• Outreach to UL and US Embassy Libraries
• Creating a book bank
• Two steps forward forward, one step back

38. Thank YouThank You

39. ContactContact
Elaine Martin
Elaine.Martin@umassmed.edu
Andrew Creamer
Andrew.creamer@umassmed.edu
James Comes
James.Comes@umassmed.edu