THEME: ‘Connecting’
20 – 21 June 2024
Conference Report
Oluwatobi Almaroof Salaam, Outreach Librarian, East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust
Summary
I had the privilege of receiving CPD funding to attend the 2024 CILIP HLG 2024 conference which ran from 20th – 21st June 2024. This year’s Health Libraries Group (HLG) conference with the theme: ‘Connecting’ brought together a diverse group of colleagues, experts, and new & emerging leaders from across the knowledge, library, and information sectors and delegates interested in learning new trends, innovation, and solutions.
Speakers at the event covered a range of topics that are germane to the sector’s current growing needs in terms of developing the profession, supporting evidence-based practices, bespoke library marketing, and maintenance of a grey literature collection.
Being my first HLG conference, I was unsure of what to expect from the event however, I was enraptured to find several sessions resonate with my current role as an outreach librarian. The interactive lighting talk sessions, presentations, workshops, and feedback opportunities were the highlight of the event from which I learned of a remarkable diversified approach to delivering outstanding library services. There were also exhibitions of products from suppliers, some of which East and North Hertfordshire Knowledge and Library Services (ENHKLS) are already clients of, and some new products we may consider subscribing to for example the BMJ Impact Analytics, Atmire, BioDigital, and a few others.
In addition to the sessions held in various rooms throughout the Royal College of Physicians building, attendees had the opportunity to relax and network with like-minded colleagues and trailblazers in the field of knowledge and library services. This informal gathering took place in the beautiful Botanical Gardens of the Royal College of Physicians, providing a perfect setting for conversations and the exchange of ideas.
Keynote Address
The keynote address was delivered by Sue Lacey Bryant who drew on her wealth of experience as a librarian and an information expert. She shared her career journey, a peek into the library of the future, and how AI will shape the profession, encouraging librarians to brace up for the future and make the best use of technology and innovation which is already evident in the way we work and deliver services. This session led by Sue inspired and encouraged me to stand firm as an agent for change who connects evidence-base with the best practice highlighting the importance of our role as knowledge workers, health librarians, and information professionals.
I had the privilege of meeting with Sue after her address for a brief discussion about my interest in how AI will shape the librarians of the future, she kindly recommended an independent review report titled “Preparing the Healthcare Workforce for the Digital Future – Health Education England.” I am confident that this report will bolster my confidence in how staff of the NHS and health workers are preparing for the future and the integration of AI in their clinical practice.
The second day of the conference opened with a keynote address by Jo Cornish, a staunch advocate for the transformative power of libraries in enhancing lives, advancing education, and boosting literacy. Jo emphasized the significant impact and benefits that CILIP brings to the library community. Her address was both reassuring and confident, highlighting the career growth opportunities available to CILIP members.
Sessions
At the conference, I attended sessions that focused on topics relevant to my role, seeking to learn from leaders about delivering exceptional, user-tailored services.
In the first session, Hong-Anh Nguyen and Felicia Thomas piqued my interest with their presentation on the outstanding work being done at The King’s Fund regarding ‘Diversity’ and the benefits it brings to the workforce. During the Q&A, I inquired about overcoming imposter syndrome as a member of a minority group and received an insightful and comprehensive response.
The enthused Sarah Gardner from DBTH spoke about the brilliant idea of the “curiosity café” which is an avenue to bridge the gap between librarians and clinicians.
Shampa Sen demonstrated how she was able to use ChatGPT – an Artificial Intelligence tool to drive bespoke library services email promotion. Her excitement for this generative AI tool with a consideration for its ethical usage was palpable; she was eager to share her experience, and this is notable from her passion and energy which filled the room during her presentation.
These interactive sessions delivered by established, promising, and emerging leaders were full of inspiration and an eye-opener to a creative approach to problem solving.
Other Presentations and Lightning talks were exhaustive, well-detailed, articulately delivered, and interactive. I was thrilled to learn of the Introduction to Health Librarianship module at the Manchester Metropolitan University this innovative program underscores the promising future of professional health librarians.
There was an opportunity to share best practices, exchange ideas, and key into prospects.
Some other notable presentations were:
“Developing the expert searcher – how to move KLS professionals along the journey from novice to expert” by Sarah Gardner –showcases the importance of how emerging librarians can grow into becoming experts, exploring strategies for effective information retrieval and dissemination.
Dr Paul Cannon’s Escape room role play for systematic review was adequately delivered. Opening insights on developing a novel online systematic review escape room to connect with early career clinicians.
Key takeaways from the conference
Over the course of the two-day event, speakers shared experiences, worries, and solutions to major concerns in their libraries and the profession. The speakers with utmost eagerness and enthusiasm shared their set vision on their plans for the future and how they are working hard towards achieving those goals.
Listening to a reading by author Micheal Rosen about his experience while in the hospital, coming out of a coma, and a hard time deciphering the medical terms was a lesson to be learnt and at the same time entertaining, I thought that as a witty way of encouraging librarians to intensify Health Literacy Awareness, thinking of the impact of low health literacy and the negative impact therein which makes this session stand out for me.
The networking opportunities at the HLG conference are unwavering. Professional colleagues, library managers, and industry experts were available to share their wealth of experience, showcasing best practices, and exploration of new ideas.
The conference focused on innovations, the latest developments, and ideas to bridge the gap between library services, clinicians, and other stakeholders. In conclusion, the 2024 HLG conference at the Royal College of Physicians, London provided an amiable platform for thought showers, where professionals in the knowledge and library sector were inspired to do more to support evidence-based practices, kindness, and leadership.
Health Libraries Group 