Business of Medical Libraries

Michelle Kraft, MLS, AHIPSenior Medical Librarian Cleveland Clinic Alumni Library

Author of the Krafty Librarian

Who is Michelle Kraft?

According to the blog analyzers

The Changing Role of the Libraries and Librarians Medical Libraries are a part of a business Librarians need to start thinking in business

methods and applying those methods

Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic Library Value

Administration views library as a expense Librarians must show library as a cost saver

for hospital LOS Liability Procedures

How do library resources impact the institution?

Similar Questions Demand Different Answers Why buy this product?

Response “MD’s want it,” doesn’t work any more Why spend this amount?

Negotiating price is required External funding?

Grants Departments share costs Consortias

Usage? Online, off campus, integrated

Impact on Vendors

Librarians cutting spending due budget Reducing products & services, not reallocating

funds Unwilling to expand into new products &

services Librarians asking tougher questions

Compare of similar products Demand options and flexibility Stronger eye toward target users

The Salesperson & The Librarian

First contact Face of the company/institution Primary contact person

Turn-Ons

Know your product inside & out AND major competitors

Be aware of library consortias and groups in your area

Keep in contact, but not too much It is ok to ask do a web meeting & demo Be flexible

Turn-Offs

Unfamiliar with the product Unaware of competitors product &

comparisons Pushy or doesn’t listen Unfamiliar with area consortias One size fits all approach

From The Mouth of Librarians

From The Mouth of Librarians

Tips For Staying in Touch

Subscribe to listservs MEDLIB-L http://tinyurl.com/78ou8r

Setup current awareness Library literature RSS feeds

Listen to your users

The Future

Library Evolve or Close More digital

Connectivity and access Tech savvy librarians EMR integration and the library