Gymnastik- och idrottshögskolan, GIH

The article describes a case study, using design thinking methods, to evidence base the renovation of two buildings on the university campus. The project involves several stake holders and is looking at the general study environment, and not only the library space. In the discussion the author compares the processes from evidence based library and information practice, design thinking methods and a hybrid model, as well as outlines some learning points from the project.

Does sports science librarianship differ from other aspects of health librarianship? Or are sports science librarians more likely to identify as generalist librarians? This editorial introduces the salutogenic approach to sport, factors that support human health and well-being, and highlights the challenge of resourcing the diversity of subjects covered by sports sciences. Highlighting key parallels with medicine and public health, it concludes by advocating for closer alignment between sports and health science librarianship.

Librarians in Sweden are facing huge challenges in meeting the demands of their organisations and users. This article looks at four key areas: coping with open science/open access initiatives; increasing demands from researchers for support doing systematic reviews; understanding user experiences in Swedish health science libraries; and the consequences of expanding roles for recruitment and continuing professional development. With regard to changing roles, there is an increasing shift from the generalist towards the expert role. The authors raise the issue as to how to prepare those new to the profession to the changing environment of health science libraries.

The article relates the 200 year history of the Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences in Stockholm, Sweden, from its founder, Pehr Henrik Ling to its present status as the oldest sports library in the world. The authors describe the library’s humble beginnings to its important role nowadays as an integral part of the School’s sport education curriculum.

This is the third in a series of articles exploring international trends in health science librarianship in the first decade of the 21st century. The invited authors carried out a survey of librarians in Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Finland to identify common developments in their countries. A focus on pedagogy was seen as the most important trend. Future issues will track trends in Southern Europe and Latin America. JM.