2025-06-04 –, 2306/2309
Language: English
Introduction
The Clinical Librarian, CEO, and Leadership Institute partnered to create a bi-annual book club that fosters collaboration, leadership development, and organizational growth.
Description
This innovative biannual book club brings together the hospital librarian, CEO, and a small group of staff, sponsored by the Leadership Institute to explore critical topics at the intersection of leadership, information literacy, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Each session features a carefully selected book that challenges perspectives, inspires dialogue, and promotes personal and professional growth.
Guided by the CEO’s strategic vision and facilitated by the librarian’s expertise, participants engage in thought-provoking discussions that enhance leadership skills, foster inclusivity, and empower informed decision-making. This collaborative initiative cultivates a learning community, aligning organizational goals to build stronger connections across our hospital teams, transforming reading into a catalyst for impactful change
Outcomes
The inaugural test year of the book club covered two books across winter and fall sessions, with a total of four meetings. Initially offering one session per season, participant demand was so high that slots filled within minutes, prompting the addition of more sessions.
Discussion
Given its success, the book club is now permanent, with plans to expand across all three hospital sites while remaining in-person. Participant feedback has been extremely positive, highlighting the value of meaningful discussions, leadership growth, and the connections fostered through the program. This strong foundation sets the stage for continued impact and broader engagement. The program has enhanced the Library’s visibility hospital-wide and is forging new connections for the Librarian across all levels of the organization.
Jeanna is Manager of the Clinical Library, Health Information Centre, and Patient Education Lead at Halton Healthcare in Ontario, Canada. A Past President of CHLA/ABSC, she contributed to the CHLA Standards Subcommittee/Library Value Planner and the HISC Library Value Toolkit. At her organization, Jeanna leads the corporate patient education process, serves on key committees/rounds, and promotes bedside resource integration. She has taught web design in Ethiopia, champions information literacy, and partners with public libraries on health literacy programs. Jeanna holds advanced degrees from Leeds Metropolitan University and the University of Guelph and a recipient of the Joan Leishman Award of Excellence.