We're kick starting the series with our newest member of the UHL Clinical Librarian team!
Who are you and where do you work?
I’m Hannah Beckitt and I am a Clinical Information Search Service (CISS) Officer. I am part of a job share and work 2 days a week supporting the Clinical Librarian Service across the 3 UHL sites, although I can usually be found at Glenfield Education Centre.
How long have you been there?
I am the newest member of the team, joining in June 2014.
What attracted you to Clinical Librarianship?
I enjoy roles that allow me to provide an efficient service, and I felt I had skills in using the internet to find information that matched the specification of this role. I also have experience of working in the NHS which is helpful for this role. My background is in Speech and Language Therapy, and I have a Masters in Clinical Communication Studies. My course developed my understanding of medical terminology and research methods, both of which are extremely useful for this job. I have often reflected that I would have liked to train as a librarian and I am now able to work in this field, albeit in a supportive role.
What does an average day at work involve?
I respond to requests from health professionals for articles that they have been unable to access themselves. We check a number of sources to see if we can obtain it electronically, complying with copyright law, and with the least amount of cost to the library. My job also involves creating bimonthly ‘Evidence Updates’ (previously known as Current Awareness Bulletins) for 11 clinical areas including Musculoskeletal, Urology, Pain and Stroke. These are circulated via email, uploaded to our website and publicised via social media. I also provide general admin support to our Clinical Librarians e.g. organising registration and payments our study days; carrying out literature searches when needed; updating our website with a ‘publication of the week’ chosen by one of our Clinical Librarians
If you weren’t a Librarian, what would you be?
I really like the blend of my two current jobs, I have the benefits of working for myself and working for an organisation. I also enjoy the fact that I can switch off when I go home from this job! I get satisfaction from helping people and providing a good service. I hope the patients in the hospital benefit from the small part that I play in providing up-to-date information quickly to the healthcare professionals that are treating them. If I had to choose a completely new job I might go for floristry, but somewhere warm!
Tell us a joke or a non-work fact about yourself
I have two daughters, two labradors and two guinea pigs! I am rubbish at jokes!
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