Pan-Canadian Review of University Library Engagement with Pharmacy Departments

• Published in: The journal of the Canadian Health Libraries Association Vol. 38; no. 2; p. 87
• Main Author: Helwig, Melissa
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Thunder Bay Canadian Health Libraries Association 01.01.2017
• Subjects: Curricula; Drug stores; Libraries; Pharmacy; Skills; Canada
• ISSN: 1708-6892
• DOI: 10.5596/c17-018

Introduction: The ability to find and utilize information at the point of need is a crucial element of evidence-based practice for pharmacists. Information seeking is an important skill learned by pharmacy students that ideally continues to be developed and used in their future professional practice. Librarians have a role to play in this development. Description: With an exception of a few established programs in Canada, pharmacy schools in Canada are currently transitioning from the Bachelor of Science (Pharmacy) to the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program. This change in curriculum will potentially change information seeking skills with increased time spent on practice experience placements. This project aims to review how libraries are engaging with pharmacy departments through an environmental scan and interviews of both in-transition programs as well as the current Canadian PharmD programs. Outcomes: The information gathered through this review of libraries engagement with pharmacy programs will allow libraries who support Pharmacy programs or Pharmacist to plan engagement with the new pharmacy curriculum and potential contributions to the curriculum through collections, instruction, and services. This information may be applicable when assisting in transitions related to other health profession programs served by health libraries, based on their similarity to the case-based learning approach and need for strong information seeking skills of the Pharmacy program. Discussion: To be submitted, if accepted by March 1st, 2017.