Analysis of library associated information needs of staff in a specialist palliative and gerontological care centre in Mid-West Ireland.
BACKGROUND
Milford Care Centre is a major centre for specialist palliative and gerontological care in the Mid-West of Ireland. In August 2008, a Librarian was employed to support the information, research, teaching and professional development needs of staff and students. In planning associated with this role, it was necessary to undertake an analysis of the information needs of staff.


OBJECTIVE
(1) To understand the information needs of staff with regard to the new Library and Information Service. (2) To identify current access to and levels of skill in information literacy and ICT. (3) To ascertain the need for training in those skills.


METHODS
A web-based questionnaire was disseminated in November by email and printed copies were left at other locations.


RESULTS
Assistance with obtaining journal articles was rated most highly by respondents as being an important service. Eighty-three per cent indicated that they did not have access to online health databases. Small group classes were considered the preferred method of providing training. Afternoons were also considered more convenient for visiting the library.


CONCLUSIONS
The results will be used to plan the development of the library with a better insight of users needs and assist us to utilise resources more effectively.
Milford Care Centre, Castletroy, Limerick, Ireland. j.callinan@milfordcarecentre.ie
Joanne
J
Callinan
Kathleen
K
McLoughlin
Pauline
P
McCarthy
D000368:Aged; D006299:Health Services for the Aged; D006801:Humans; D058980:Information Literacy; D057226:Information Seeking Behavior; D007494:Ireland; D007993:Libraries, Medical / Q000458:organization & administration; D007999:Library Services; D020380:Needs Assessment; D010166:Palliative Care; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires