Library Review: Heath Park and All Wales Review
The Heath Park and All Wales Library Review is the second phase of the Library Review, the first phase of which was completed in 2005.
The Review committee has examined the services of Cardiff University Health Libraries, and those of the NHS Trusts around Wales which provide support to Cardiff University teaching staff and to the University's students whilst on placement.
The Report was approved by the University in May 2008. Its recommendations have been developed into an implementation plan and integrated into the overall Library Review for the whole University.
Key proposals from the Heath Park and All Wales Review
New flagship health library for Wales
The existing medical (Sir Herbert Duthie) library will move out of the main hospital block at the University Hospital of Wales and be relocated in a new space aligned with the planned Joint Educational Facilities being developed by the healthcare Schools. The new library will include the Nursing & Midwifery and Healthcare Studies collections from the Ty Dewi Sant building, and the Caerleon Library, to create an inter-professional resource, including learning and social spaces. Collaborative funding with NHS Wales has enabled dedicated NHS training space to be incorporated into the building.
University, NHS and Welsh Assembly Health Information to combine
The All Wales Health Information Library Extension Service (AWHILES) currently links together all NHS Trust libraries in Wales with Cardiff University, in an arrangement that is unique within the UK. In collaboration with the Welsh Assembly Government and NHS Wales, it is proposed to link AWHILES to the development of a prestigious National Public Health Institute for Wales.
IT strategies and policies to be harmonised
The Review aims to create consistent access routes to clinical and academic research and teaching information across the NHS and the higher education sector in Wales.
Joint procurement of electronic journals
It is recommended that the access to electronic information such as journals and databases be simplified and expanded for all involved in health and clinical care.
