Thailand Nursing Library Network

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History of Thailand Nursing Library Network

การนำเสนอผลงาน " การพัฒนา Website : Evidence-Based Nursing Practice & Research Support Website " การประชุมวิชาการระดับชาติ PULINET ครั้งที่ 11

        Thailand Nursing Library Network was developed from a study on collaboration between nursing libraries in Thailand. certified to conduct research by The Institutional Review Board, Faculty of Nursing, Mahidol University on May 11, 2021.

         This study originated from a presentation by Ms. Surang Sirorojsakul, Ms. Yupin Yangsawat, and Ms. Nipaporn Dacha, librarians and information specialist at the Faculty of Nursing Library, Mahidol University on January 7, 2021. The topic was “Website Development: Evidence-Based Nursing Practice & Research Support Website” (http://www.lib.ns.mahidol.ac.th/EBP/index.html) presented at the 11th PULINET Online National Conference.

history 2

        They were awarded for their oral presentations. The committee member who reviewed the work, Professor Emeritus Dr. Chutima Sacchanand, recommended further development of the website for students. Nursing educators and practitioners nationwide can gain from it at a national scale.  Because only individuals with a Mahidol University username and password can access the full-text information on the Evidence-Based Nursing Practice & Research Support Website.

          The study “Cooperation between Nursing Libraries in Thailand” examined the collaboration among nursing libraries in Thailand in technical work, service provision, and staff learning promotion. It also explored the views of Thailand nursing librarians on the level of cooperation before and after the formation of the Thailand Nursing Library Network through the LINE application. The LINE application is a technology that connects many people via the Internet without distance restrictions. Participants in this research can benefit from the exchange of knowledge between research participants.

           A cooperation network between nursing libraries in Thailand has been established. This can provide recipients of library services with more information resources or databases to search for information and cover more content than before.

            The sample comprised 40 nurse librarians from government nursing education institutions accredited by the Thailand Nursing and Midwifery Council.

  1. The librarians of Nursing Libraries affiliated with the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation affiliated with Mahidol University, Khon Kaen University, Chiang Mai University, Mahasarakham University, Prince of Songkla University, Srisavarindira Institute of Nursing, Thai Red Cross Society, and Princess Agrarajakumari College of Nursing Library, Chulabhorn Royal Academy.
  2. The librarians of the libraries affiliated with Praboromarajchanok Institute. There are a total of 30 Ministry of Public Health sites.
  3. The libraries of the Ministry of Defense affiliated with the Royal Thai Air Force Nursing College exempt data collection from the Royal Thai Army Nursing College Library and the Royal Thai Navy Nursing College Library. I was instructed to submit a research project for ethics certification on human subjects to the Royal Thai Army Medicine Department and the Royal Thai Navy Medical Department, both certified in human ethics by the Faculty of Nursing at Mahidol University. They have submitted their data for archival in the library due to time constraints exempting data collection.
  4. The head librarian of the Police Nursing College
  5. The head librarian of the Kuekarun Faculty of Nursing at Navamindradhiraj University.             

           On January 29, 2021, Ms. Surang Sirorojsakul informed the meeting of the Mahidol University Library and Knowledge Center Committee on funding for the nursing library network development in Thailand and an open-access nursing website. The Director of the Mahidol University Library and Knowledge Center, Asst. Prof. Dr. Nopphon Paosawadi, expressed interest and guided the technological aspects of the website development, which was later implemented on June 30, 2021.

           The Director, Asst. Prof. Dr. Nopphon Paosawadi introduced an independent programmer, Ms. Araya Burakitphachai, who has knowledge and experience in developing websites for departments of Siriraj Hospital Medical Faculty, Mahidol University, and educational institutions in Thailand. Ms. Surang Sirorotmsakul has coordinated the design, development, and updating of information on the website to keep it continuously up to date with Ms. Araya Burakitpachai from July 2021 to the present.

            After receiving approval from The Institutional Review Board, Faculty of Nursing, Mahidol University, proceeded. On May 14, 2021, Ms. Surang Sirorotsakul and her team submitted a memorandum seeking permission to gather data from all head librarians via the Chief executive of each institution. A questionnaire for the Chief executive was included, along with information on staff participation in the survey, including a QR code and link for the sample group to scan the QR code to join the LINE network group for nursing libraries in Thailand on May 31, 2021. This marked the inception of the Thailand Nursing Library Network. Currently, we are utilizing the LINE network group for communication and coordination among libraries. There are 51 librarians in Thailand and 69 group members.

           Ms. Surang Sirorojsakul, the head of the research project acts as a leader in organizing activities to develop cooperation between nursing libraries in Thailand. She plans various activities such as the following:

  1. Online meetings to brainstorm and develop cooperation activities between libraries in technical areas. Service and learning support for library staff.
  2. Request for cooperation in sharing information about information resources provided by individual libraries as a basis for developing guidelines for cooperation between libraries in technical and service areas and for use in developing a national open-access website.

           On May 5, 2021, Ms. Surang Sirorojsakul, the head of the research project invited Professor Emeritus Dr. Chutima Sacchanand (a lecturer in the Faculty of Information Sciences. Faculty of Liberal Arts, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University, President of the Thai Library Association, she is also a permanent director of the Management of Library Association section of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA)) and Dr. Rucharekha Withayawuthikul, the former Director of the Mahidol University Library and Knowledge Center to be the co-advisors of the Thailand Nursing Library Network to guide open-access nursing website development and network administration.

           Ms. Surang Sirorojsakul invited the members of the Thailand Nursing Library Network to join the first meeting on June 8, 2021. Members discussed ideas during the meeting, while network experts guided in establishing the network’s goals. In summary, three main ideas came out:

  1. To increase the Thailand Nursing Library Network’s management’s effectiveness.
  2. To help the library users access the service and information conveniently, quickly, and according to their needs.
  3. To improve job performance and develop new skills including promoting the learning of nursing library staff in Thailand.

          In addition, Professor Emeritus Dr. Chutima Sacchanand recommended that cooperation between libraries should be organized in order of importance, as follows:

  1. Prepare a list of members of the Nursing Library Network of Thailand, including an indication of expertise or special skills. Also, include academic papers and the URL link of the paper.
  2. Appoint a working group to share information about each library’s resources to take advantage of shared resources and to analyze duplication in the purchase of Thai journals, English journals, and electronic databases.
  3. Establish a working group to collect OER data in the library and information science. Include nursing and related fields.
  4. To invite network members to create and present video files showcasing individual nursing libraries through the LINE group of the Thailand Nursing Library Network.
  5. To collect records on the operation of nursing libraries, including the status of nursing libraries in Thailand. Information on library staff, collection services, and activities.
  6.  

          On June 19, 2021, Dr. Rucharekha Withayawuthikul suggested naming the network “Thailand Nursing Library Network” and recommended Ms. Surang Sirorojsakul, the head of the research project reports to the administrators on the results of the collaboration between the nursing libraries to all nursing educational institutions, including all Faculty of Nursing in Thailand, Praboromarajchanok Institute, and Thailand Nursing and Midwifery Council, a cooperation agreement between nursing libraries in Thailand should be signed officially, when the results are visible.

           Since June 8, 2021, to date, there have been continuous online meetings of the Nursing Library Network of Thailand. There are also cooperative activities between libraries in technical work. Service and learning promotion work Preparing information for website development, including evidence-based nursing information, and updating the information on the website to be current and searchable at all times, and sharing at the national level. This is done through the LINE application and online meetings as follows.

           Cooperation between libraries in technical work

  1. Sharing the list of current purchasing Thai journals, English journals, and electronic databases.
  2. To join the online meeting and share ideas in the LINE group to set the terms for preparation. Negotiate with companies or agents to develop cooperative policies for the journals and electronic database acquisition as a consortium.
  3. Sharing the names of companies or vendors used by nursing libraries for purchasing. Electronic journals and databases.
  4. Gather ideas for setting terms for purchasing English language journals and electronic databases in consortium format.
  5. Invite sales representatives from companies/stores that sell books. Electronic journals and databases are offered at special rates for the members of the Thailand Nursing Library Network in case of purchase the same list of information resources such as E-Books, E-Databases …etc.

            Cooperation between libraries in service work and the Promotion of academic expertise

  1. Share information about online resources for nursing and related fields in a freely accessible format and share website information, libraries, images, clip videos, and library introduction YouTube.
  2. Share interesting academic articles with other members through LINE, networking groups, referrals, lecture programs, and academic education. Invite members to participate in activities such as organizing lectures by the National Library of Thailand, the Library Association of Thailand, and medical school library groups in Thailand.
  3. Contact expert lecturers to arrange online lectures and guide information searching. Utilize empirical nursing evidence from electronic nursing databases.
  4. Assist and advise on information searching from electronic databases and interlibrary photocopying services.

            On July 6, 2021, Ms. Surang Sirorojsakul, with guidance from Dr. Rucharekha Withayawuthikul, designed the outline and details for the website map named “Thailand Nursing Research & Educational Resources Gateway”. Following this, the website’s content was produced in collaboration with Ms. Araya Burakitphachai, a freelance website developer. The website was finalized and distributed to the faculty and students in August 2021.

            Miss Surang Sirorojsakul has presented this research results to the faculty of Nursing, at Mahidol University and she was chosen to deliver an oral presentation at a quality fair at Mahidol University on November 30, 2021, and also showcased her work at the national level during the annual national academic conference of the Regional university library network PULINET on January 6, 2022.

           The summary of the study titled ” A study on Collaboration among Nursing Libraries in Thailand” revealed that out of 40 questionnaires sent to the chief librarians of nursing libraries in Thailand between May and June 2021, 36 were returned. (90.00 %) The findings indicate that 31 out of 36 library directors (77.50 %) have become members of the Thailand Nursing Library Network.

           Most librarians (91.67%) prefer collaboration in developing online databases as open access. They prioritize topics like printed publications, and electronic databases, whether purchased or open access. Shared activities include sharing publications, and databases, and creating a website like the Thailand Nursing Research & Educational Resources Gateway.

          The research results showed a significant difference in the librarian’s perception score of collaboration levels before and after the cooperation activity (p < 0.05). The satisfaction rating for the Thailand Nursing Research & Educational Resources Gateway website indicated that the majority of respondents, 83.87%, were highly satisfied, with an additional 16.13% reporting satisfaction. Most network members expressed a desire for regular updates, changes, or additions to the website’s information.

           The Thailand Nursing Research & Educational Resources Gateway website is supported by the Faculty of Nursing, Mahidol University, to develop, maintain, modify, and update information continuously from fiscal year 2021 onwards. It is accessible on various computing devices like smartphones, PCs, laptops, and tablets.

          After conducting research and summarizing the results in October 2021, Ms. Surang Sirorojsakul invited nursing libraries, both government and private institutions, to join LINE as members of the Thailand Nursing Library Network. Currently, there are 51 library members in the network, all of which are specialized nursing libraries (100%), representing all regions of Thailand that have applied for membership. (Latest information as of December 26, 2022) as follows:

  1. Faculty of Nursing Library, Mahidol University
  2. Faculty of Nursing Library, Khon Kaen University
  3. Faculty of Nursing Library, Chiang Mai University
  4. Faculty of Nursing Library, Prince of Songkla University
  5. Kuakarun Faculty of Nursing Library, Navamindradhiraj University
  6. Srisavarindhira Thai Red Cross Institute of Nursing Library
  7. Princess Agrarajakumari College of Nursing Library, Chulabhorn Royal Academy
  8. Faculty of Nursing Library, Mahasarakham University
  9. Faculty of Nursing Library, Princess of Naradhiwas University
  10. Naval Medical Department Library
  11. Faculty of Nursing Library, Rattana Bundit University, Pathum Thani Campus
  12. Faculty of Nursing Library, Chaiyaphum Rajabhat University
  13. Faculty of Nursing Library, Roi Et Rajabhat University
  14. Faculty of Nursing Library, Sisaket Rajabhat University
  15. Faculty of Nursing Library, Ubon Ratchathani University
  16. Royal Thai Army Nursing College Library
  17. Royal Thai Air Force Nursing College Library
  18. Police Nursing College Library
  19. College of Nursing and Health Library, Suansunandha Rajabhat University
  20. The Library of Boromarajonani College of Nursing, Bangkok
  21. The Library of Boromarajonani College of Nursing, Nakhon Phanom University
  22. The Library of Boromarajonani College of Nursing, Nonthaburi
  23. The Library of Boromarajonani College of Nursing, Nakhon Si Thammarat
  24. The Library of Phrapokkao Nursing College, Chanthaburi
  25. The Library of Boromarajonani College of Nursing, Phra Phutthabat
  26. The Library of Boromarajonani College of Nursing, Suphan Buri
  27. The Library of Boromarajonani College of Nursing, Ratchaburi
  28. The library of Boromarajonani College of Nursing, Chakriraj
  29. The Library of Boromarajonani College of Nursing, Surin
  30. The Library of Boromarajonani College of Nursing, Chiang Mai
  31. The Library of Boromarajonani College of Nursing, Chonburi
  32. The Library of Boromarajonani College of Nursing, Khon Kaen
  33. The Library of Boromarajonani College of Nursing Buddhachinaraj, Phitsanulok
  34. The Library of Boromarajonani College of Nursing, Chainat
  35. The Library of Boromarajonani College of Nursing, Trang
  36. The Library of Boromarajonani College of Nursing, Nakhon Ratchasima
  37. The Library of Boromarajonani College of Nursing, Nakhon Lampang
  38. The Library of Boromarajonani College of Nursing, Nopparat Vajira
  39. The Library of Boromarajonani College of Nursing, Phayao
  40. The Library of Boromarajonani College of Nursing, Phrae
  41. The Library of Prachomklao College of Nursing, Phetchaburi
  42. The Library of Boromarajonani College of Nursing, Yala
  43. The Library of Boromarajonani College of Nursing, Songkhla
  44. The Library of Srimahasarakham Nursing College
  45. The Library of Boromarajonani College of Nursing, Sunpasitthiprasong
  46. The Library of Boromarajonani College of Nursing, Saraburi
  47. The Library of Boromarajonani College of Nursing, Sawan Pracharak
  48. The Library of Boromarajonani College of Nursing, Surat Thani
  49. The Library of Boromarajonani College of Nursing, Udon Thani
  50. The Library of Boromarajonani College of Nursing, Uttaradit
  51. Nongyao Chaiseri Library, Thammasat University

                   

           The research team submitted their work to participate in various competitions and received multiple awards, including the Best Award of the Research Competition for Oral Presentations on “Study on Collaboration among Nursing Libraries in Thailand” at the 12th National PULINET Conference 2022 (The 12th National Online Conference of PULINET: “New Generation Libraries: Toward House of Access”) held between January 5-7, 2022. Award plaque and certificate from the Quality Work Competition for Fiscal Year 2021, Showcasing Best Practice Activity, Faculty of Nursing, Mahidol University, August 31, 2021, the Runner-up award for the presentation of innovative lectures on the project to develop a prototype of a national nursing library network through an online system.

           On February 25, 2022, the research team presented information on the Thailand Nursing Library Network and the Thailand Nursing Research & Educational Resources Gateway website at the Mahidol University Library and Knowledge Center committee meeting. This was then shared with all member libraries in the Thailand Nursing Library Network nationwide, along with a press release issued on July 19, 2022.

           On July 21, 2022, the staff of the Corporate Communication Unit, Mahidol University’s General Administration Division requested an interview with Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yajai Sitthimongkol, the Dean of the Faculty of Nursing. Ms. Surang Sirorojsakul, the head of the research project, discussed the network’s history and the website’s development, which was later featured in the media as follows:

  1. Sarawit Magazine 20-7-65 https://www.nstda.or.th/sci2pub/nssgateway/
  2. ThaiPR.NET 20-7-65 https://www.thaipr.net/education/3215148
  3. RYT9.COM 20-7-65 https://www.ryt9.com/s/prg/3340505
  4. newswit 20-7-65 https://www. newswit.com/th/LijK
  5. Edupdate 20- 7-65 https://www.edupdate.net/2022/26467/
  6. People’s Technology Magazine 21-7-65 https://www. technologychaoban.com/bullet-news-today/article _222577
  7. Medical Times 21-7-65 http://medi. co.th/news_detail41.php?q_id=1135

           Posting information on Mahidol University’s Twitter can be found at this URL link https://op.mahidol.ac.th/ga/wp-content/uploads/twitter/news-2022-7-22-5.pdf. Ms. Surang Sirorojsakul also provided information for posting on the Thailand Nursing and Midwifery Council’s website and Facebook. With over 50,000 members, this council shared the information accordingly (https://www.tnmc.or.th/news/697) and the Thailand Nursing and Midwifery Council’s Facebook page can be found at https://shorturl.at/rLSY9. The information shared received a positive response, with many users liking and sharing it. It was also posted on the “Professional Nursing Jobs” Facebook group with over 58,000 members, and on the “Librarian in Thailand” group with over 18,000 members. URL link: https://shorturl.at/hvOP5. Ms. Surang Sirorojsakul also wrote an English article in April 2022 to spread the news nationally titled: “Thailand Nursing Library Network & Thailand Nursing Research & Educational Resources Gateway” and submitted the article for publication on the website of the international library organization IFLA (International Federation of Library Associations and Institute). It appears that the IFLA editorial team responded to the article and published it on June 6, 2022. Interested parties can read the full article at https://www.ifla.org/news/thailand-nursing-library-network-thailand-nursing-research-educational-resources-gateway/

           This work is protected by copyright law. The research team has applied for copyright registration for this website through Mahidol University. They obtained an official registration certificate from the Intellectual Property Department on June 28, 2022. The work is classified as a literary work and a computer program. The registration number is ว1.009848, and the application notification number is 418755.

            At the online meeting of the Thailand Nursing Library Network on September 23, 2022, the members decided that a cooperation agreement should be concluded between the member libraries of the network. The Thailand Nursing Library Network on Interlibrary Loan Services, 2022, promotes the sharing of library resources among member libraries of the Thailand Nursing Network to maximize benefits and save the national budget. To efficiently and cost-effectively provide information resources among member libraries and assist users in obtaining information as needed.

            Ms. Surang Sirorojsakul invited all member libraries of the network to brainstorm and vote on important issues related to library service regulations and the costs that may be incurred when applying for shared services. Subsequently, the draft “Agreement on Cooperation between the Member Libraries of Thailand Nursing Library Network on Interlibrary Loan Services”

            Later, Miss Surang Sirorojsakul sent the draft agreement to the staff of the Division of Legal Affairs, Office of the President at Mahidol University for review and advice on necessary modifications. Following the recommendations, the agreement was adjusted accordingly. Subsequently, the questionnaire information was distributed to all nursing libraries via the Google Form system. The first phase of the agreement was then approved. Miss Surang Sirorojsakul, as the representative of the Faculty of Nursing Library, Mahidol University, proceeded to send the “Agreement on Cooperation between the Member Libraries of Thailand Nursing Library Network on Interlibrary Loan Services” on behalf of the dean of the Faculty of Nursing to the dean/director of the nursing institution and the chief librarians, totaling 51 locations, will be informed on December 12, 2022, regarding inter-library services. They will be notified about the trial period of the agreement, which will last for 6 months. Upon the expiration of the trial period of the agreement.

           On June 12, 2023, Miss Surang Sirorojsakul, sent a satisfaction survey of the agreement to all member libraries using the Google Form system. The survey results revealed that 29 library members, representing 56.86 percent, expressed satisfaction. Therefore, “The Agreement on Cooperation between the Member Libraries of Thailand Nursing Library Network on Interlibrary Loan Services” will officially come into effect for 5 years, starting on 22 June 2023 and ending on 21 June 2028. However, as the specified period draws near, member libraries will assess the interlibrary cooperation agreement and may mutually decide to extend the timeframe for executing tasks under this memorandum of understanding, with valid reasons, for 5 years. For more information on the agreement, individuals can refer to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=McoPQjhnkRk.

          The research team would like to express their gratitude to all advisors who contributed valuable advice, including Associate Professor, Associate Professor Dr. Yajai Sitthimongkol, Dean of the Faculty of Nursing at Mahidol University; Professor Emeritus Dr. Chutima Sacchanand, Lecturer in Information Science at the Faculty of Liberal Arts, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University; Former President of the Library Association of Thailand; and permanent committee member of the Management of Library Associations Section, IFLA (International Federation of Library Associations and Institutes); Assistant Professor Dr. Ruttanaporn Kongkar, Deputy Dean for Education and Chairman of the Library Committee, Faculty of Nursing, Mahidol University; Associate Professor Dr. Apawan Nookong, Lecturer in the Department of Pediatric Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Mahidol University; Assistant Professor Jongkonwan Musikthong, Lecturer in the Department of Medical Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Mahidol University; Assistant Professor Dr. Sarinrat Sriprasong, Lecturer in the Department of Medical Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Mahidol University. Assistant Professor Dr. Wimolnun Pudtivarnichapong, Lecturer in the Department of Mental Health and Psychiatric Nursing, Dr. Rucharekha Withayawuthikul, the former Director of the Mahidol University Library and Knowledge Center, Mahidol University; Assistant Professor Dr. Nopphon Paosawadi, Director of the Mahidol University Library and Knowledge Center, Mahidol University, and Ms. Araya Burakitphachai, a programmer who participated in the development of the Thailand Nursing Research & Educational Resources Gateway website.

Compilation of pictures showcasing collaborative activities among nursing libraries in Thailand

Picture from the online network meeting No. 1/2021,   June 8, 2021.

Picture from the online network meeting No. 3/2021,   July 5, 2021.

Picture from the online activities: invite the database distributor (New Knowledge Information Co., Ltd.) to present the nursing database and offer special discounts. In the case of consortium purchasing, 25 November 2021.

Picture of receiving the best award for oral presentation on the study of cooperation among nursing libraries in Thailand at the PULINET 2022 annual national academic conference on January 7, 2022.

Picture from the online activities: invite database distributor (Book Promotion & Services Co Ltd.), to present the nursing databases and offer special discounts in the case of consortium purchasing, 23 November 2021.

Picture from the online activities: invite the database distributor (McGraw Hill Education Thailand) to present the nursing database and offer special discounts in the case of consortium purchasing, February 1, 2023.