HSL Projects Chosen for Innovation Awards

By Lynn Eades September 14, 2016

Two forward-looking projects submitted by UNC Health Sciences Library (HSL) librarians have been chosen as the recipients of the inaugural University Libraries Innovation Awards.

The grant program recognizes the creative spirit of library staff members by connecting novel ideas with resources. The emphasis is on experimentation and exploration in the quest to meet existing or future needs. The first round of competitive grants was underwritten through an allocation from the University Libraries.

“Our staff members have boundless creativity,” said University Librarian and Associate Provost for University Libraries Sarah Michalak. “It’s my hope that others will join in seeking innovative ways to address real-world information problems in an intelligent, sustainable way,” she said.

The winning proposals are as follows:

Digital Repository: North Carolina Regional Extension Centers Listserv Email Communications
Award amount: $5,800

North Carolina’s Regional Extension Centers (RECs) have received federal grant funding to help primary care physicians in private practice across the state implement electronic health records. Initial work of the RECs has taken place via email and dispersed documentation. Investigator Mary Beth Schell (HSL) will create a browseable and searchable archive for this important and growing body of unpublished literature. Her investigation is expected to provide a model for professional library-based curation of geographically dispersed and diversely created information.

Mobile Planning and Prototypes: NC Health Info, AHEC Digital Library
Award amount: $6,450

This project will research, design, and implement mobile prototype versions of two widely used sources of online health information. The AHEC Digital Library provides current medical literature and professional resources to healthcare providers across the state. NC Health Info is an online guide to websites and health information for North Carolina citizens. Investigators Adam Dodd and Christie Silbajoris (both at the HSL) will work towards development of mobile-specific versions of these sites to meet the growing demand for mobile access by both practitioners and healthcare consumers in North Carolina.

Under the terms of the award, each project will be completed by June 2012.

The Libraries are seeking additional funding in order to be able to award more significant and sustained awards in future. Gifts to the University Libraries Innovation Awards will contribute to the development of innovative endeavors by UNC Libraries staff. They will also support the Innovate@Carolina Campaign, a $125 million drive to help make Carolina a world leader in launching university-born ideas for the good of society. To learn more about the campaign, visit innovate.unc.edu.

To support the University Libraries Innovation Awards, contact Peggy Myers, Director of Library Development: (919) 843-5651, pmyers@email.unc.edu.

 

Last modified: 12/16/16