HLG is a UK based network of individuals working in or professionally interested in health and social care information. Our strength is our diverse and active membership covering all health and social sectors, and geographical areas in the UK. Members work for the health service, the academic sector, the independent sector, government departments, professional associations, charities and public libraries. Students with an interest in health and social care information are also welcome. Several HLG members live and work abroad.
For more information about the Group see About Us or for specific queries email hlg@cilip.org.uk
NEW ON THIS WEBSITE
Research in the Workplace Award (RIWA)
The award has gone to Chris Cooper and colleagues (Peninsula Medical School) and will evaluate the state and usage of British bibliographic databases relevant to health and social care fields.
Thank you to the judges and everyone else involved in the award of the RIWA for 2012.
More information on RIWA
New HLG Policy Lead
Ruth Carlyle, Information and Support Policy Lead at Macmillan Cancer Support, is taking on the role of HLG Policy Lead.
Some Umbrella 2011 presentations now available
Presentations
Notice of Elections for Officers to the HLG Committee
Health Libraries Group (HLG) is seeking nominations for the following posts on its committee:
- Chair
- Hon. Treasurer
- Hon. Secretary
The period of office will be 1st January - 31st December 2012.
If you would like to nominate yourself for one of these posts, please complete a nomination form, and return it to the Hon. Secretary by 23rd December.
A copy of the rules governing the conduct of branches can be found here.
Pauline Blagden is stepping down as the current Chair from January 2012 after 3 years. Here is Pauline’s description of the role. If you would like more information, please contact her at pauline.blagden@porthosp.nhs.uk
'The role involves chairing the HLG Committee meetings, 4 per year in London, but lots more besides. I have represented HLG at our own events, for example, making the opening and closing remarks at the HLG Conference and thanking all those involved at the recent celebration of the new edition of the Medical Core Collection. I have chaired the AGM and written a piece for the annual report each year.
I have also represented HLG at CILIP events, notably the Special Interest Groups Forum and contributed to the CILIP responses to recent NHS white paper. I have been a member of the Editorial Advisory Board for Health Information and Libraries Journal.
I have found it interesting to have a strategic overview of HLG activities and have enjoyed meeting and working with so many talented colleagues, particularly in these interesting and challenging times.
I took on the role as a CPD opportunity at my manager’s suggestion and I will report to her that I have developed my skills in facilitating, team working, negotiating and influencing. Yes, it has been time consuming but I have found the experience very valuable.'
HLG Conference 2012
The conference is being held at the Glasgow Science Centre on Thursday 12th and Friday 13th July and the theme will be: Health libraries under the microscope: protecting your formula.
Keep up to date with plans at the conference website http://www.uhl-library.nhs.uk/hlg2012.
HLG on Social Media
HLG now has a blog at http://hlgupdates.blogspot.com/. Please have a look at and join in. The RSS feed for this is http://hlgupdates.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default?alt="rss.
We are also on Twitter at http://twitter.com/CILIPHLG
HILJ News
Maria Grant, Editor of the Health Information and Libraries Journal, is now tweeting regularly about HILJ and HILJ related activities
at http://twitter.com/MariaJGrant
The HLG members reduced subscription for 2011 has been kept at last year's level of £54.
HLG Business and Marketing Plan 2011
The Business Plan for 2011 has been agreed. Updates will be shown as the work progresses.
Primary Care Core Collection - Invitation to contribute
The editorial team of the HLG Primary Care Core Collection revision would like to invite you to contribute to the new 3rd edition which will be published in 2012 by Tomlinson's Book Suppliers.
For more information see Core Collections
HLG Research
Here is the summary report of the research HLG commissioned 'to gain a better understanding of the professional needs of its members and potential members'. The Committee is using the report to develop an action plan to enhance the services HLG offers its members.
Summary report
Support for HLG Members in Times of Change
HLG will endeavour to support members who are affected by service changes. We will work with CILIP, especially with the Special Libraries Sector Panel, to monitor expenditure or service reductions and hope to offer CPD opportunities to develop skills in demonstrating impact, value and return on investment. HLG welcomes suggestions from its members about other ways in which we can provide support.
Resources about demonstrating the value and impact of library services can be found at http://www.cilip.org.uk/get-involved/advocacy/special-library-information-services
CILIP Seal of Recognition for HLG CPD events renewed
CILIP has renewed HLG's Seal of Recognition. Evidence was submitted covering two events, a knowledge management study day and a web 2.0 workshop, both of which received very positive comments from the judging panel. Many thanks to all who were involved or who have contributed in any way.
Working in Health Information?
Working in Health Information is a guide to what to expect if you are thinking of making your career in this area. It answers such questions as what jobs are there? What training is needed? and how much will you be paid? Case studies written by professionals working in a variety of posts are included to give a real feel for what the job is really like.
The 2010 edition of the guide is now available.
HLISD (Health Libraries and Information Services Directory)
HLISD has been transferred to a new host, funded by SHALL (SHA Strategic Library Leads). Is the information about your service up to date? Are you on there as a key contact? If not contact the editor at contactus.hlisd@gmail.com or go to http://www.hlisd.org/ContactUs.aspx
Further information