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Harrell Health Sciences Library Newsletter
August 2020
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Director's note
These times are momentous. They will go down in history books. These times are also sad, hopeful, stressful, gut-wrenching, passionate and, most of all, changing.
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Everyone refers to the “new normal”. For libraries, that means many things. We are currently working on a reopening plan. We have consulted CDC guidelines as well as other libraries about best practices.
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The mission is to provide service but assure the safety of our team as well as our patrons.
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All library faculty and staff wear masks and, when working at a library service desk, also wear face shields. The library has moved furniture and taped off areas to encourage physical distancing of patrons. All checked out items are disinfected or quarantined after returning. Cleaning of high-touch areas occurs regularly. The book stacks are off-limits to patrons, but library personnel will retrieve items for people if needed.
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Research help consultations with librarians will continue in a virtual format via Zoom to maintain distancing requirements.
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We will continue to have personnel working from home as we limit exposure for people by staggering schedules. The new norm allows the library to open again for patrons to study in quiet environments and access physical collections, but it isn't exactly like it was before.
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The recent deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and other Black people by police and the following protests of racism throughout the United States and the world have also caused change. Good change.
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We need to be aware that we are a diverse country and all humans are equal. With that in mind, the library is adding diversity, equity and inclusion goals to our strategic plan.
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Our library is active in the University Libraries Diversity Committee as well as the College of Medicine Diversity Council. We know we are not perfect, and if anyone has recommendations for making our collections or services more equitable for the College of Medicine students, faculty and staff, please let me know.
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If you are looking for diversity, anti-racism, equity and social justice information, please reach out your library liaison directly or email herref@pennstatehealth.psu.edu and we will l help you access the wide selection of resources throughout University Libraries.
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Associate Dean for Library and Information Services
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Harrell Health Sciences Library: Research and Learning Commons
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Harrell Health Sciences Library reopened to on-campus students at Penn State College of Medicine on July 13. New guidelines are in place to ensure the safety of all library users and employees.
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Despite COVID-19 requiring Harrell Health Sciences Library faculty and staff to work from home for some time, the library’s Technology Sandbox remained able to help with various 3D printing projects remotely.
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Seamus Carmichael, who works at Harrell Health Sciences Library's Service Desk, and who produces most of the library's print and digital signage, found more time for his art during quarantine.
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On May 28, Harrell Health Sciences Library hosted its first Health Care Hackathon. The theme chosen for the event was "Improving Communication in Health Care."
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Brad Long, embedded health sciences librarian with Harrell Health Sciences Library at Penn State College of Medicine, working in University Park, is a volunteer with the Librarian Reserve Corps, formed by the World Health Organization to help manage the large amount of literature being published related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the landscape of patient care, training, research, learning and community engagement across academic medicine. In March, the physical spaces of Harrell Health Sciences Library closed, but the work did not cease.
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Several Harrell Health Sciences Library team members have been involved in recent projects.
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HHSL Passport Book Club
Read and discuss books that will take you around the world and back in time.
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Join the HHSL Passport Book Club, hosted by Harrell Health Sciences Library.
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Upcoming library events
Note that all of the following events are being offered via Zoom webinar only in light of COVID-19.
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@Harrell.lib is the quarterly newsletter of the Harrell Health Sciences Library: Research and Learning Commons at Penn State College of Medicine. Your feedback is welcome. Email editor Marie Cirelli at mcirelli@pennstatehealth.psu.edu.
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