Working apart but together: how to stay connected

Abstract

Health Library Ireland is a national service part of Ireland's Health Service Executive. It comprises a distributed team of staff working throughout the country. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it was more important than ever for library staff to remain connected, engaged and inspired. The method used to deliver events was based on the HSE approach to change which involves three stages: define, design and deliver. The needs of staff were clear at the start, everyone needed a way to connect with each other, to feel supported and inspired. A three person library assistant team was assembled to co-design events with library staff. All staff were invited to share their talents during events such as organic gardening, yoga, singing and creation of quizzes. Different types of events were delivered such as weekly virtual coffee breaks; an annual staff wellness morning; an annual staff engagement day and a Christmas event. Feedback from all events was captured using surveys and through messages to the Events team. In conclusion the Events team is a permanent fixture of Health Library Ireland and because these events were so successful they have become part of an ongoing permanent offering to all staff in the library service.