Hands-on clinical experience is a cornerstone of medical education. Residents spend much of their training in hospitals and clinics, while medical students look forward to clerkship for their supervised, practice-based learning. As Toronto Metropolitan University’s (TMU) School of Medicine (SoM) prepared to open, building relationships with the local healthcare institutions was essential. Among these, the collaboration between the Bikram S. Dhillon and Family Medical Library and the William Osler Health System Library has become central to supporting learners across academic and clinical contexts.

As our healthcare and academic landscapes prepared to welcome learners, it was important for our health libraries to foster meaningful collaborations that enhance evidence-based practice, research, and education. Fostering a connection between our two library systems allowed us to leverage the skills and services at both institutions to support the new medical school. Together, we are able to explore and co-develop initiatives such as shared education programs, referral processes, subject-guide content, and collaborative support services that benefit students, clinicians, and researchers alike.

This presentation explores how partnerships between academic and clinical libraries can bridge institutional silos, foster knowledge exchange, and support the continuum of learning and care. Participants will gain insights into building sustainable partnerships that leverage the strengths of both academic and clinical settings. Emphasis will be placed on communication, mutual goals, and the importance of cultivating trust and shared leadership. By the end of the session, participants will be able to identify strategies for initiating and sustaining library partnerships across academic and clinical contexts.

Introduction:
Following a comprehensive survey of library services, our team identified key service gaps and launched a strategic outreach initiative. This initiative evolved into an annual promotional campaign aimed at increasing awareness and engagement with library services and resources across the organization.
Description:
Using design tools such as Canva, we developed visually engaging promotional materials—including email banners, flyers, posters, and newsletters—to spotlight underutilized resources and core services. To ensure relevance and maximize impact, we adopted a targeted outreach approach by tailoring content to specific healthcare specialties. This customization allowed us to speak directly to the unique needs of various departments, fostering stronger connections and encouraging resource utilization.
Outcomes:
The campaign not only improved visibility of library offerings but also positioned the library as a proactive and collaborative partner within the organization. Through consistent and focused promotional efforts, we cultivated relationships with clinical and administrative teams, leading to new opportunities for cross-departmental collaboration.
Discussion:
This presentation will share practical strategies for designing and implementing targeted outreach, highlight examples of promotional materials, and discuss lessons learned in building sustainable partnerships. Attendees will gain insights into how strategic communication and visual design can elevate the role of the library.