Down the Rabbit Hole We Go Again (the 19th Health Sciences Lively Lunchtime Discussion)

This year’s sponsored, no holds barred health sciences lively lunchtime gatheringwas open to all. It began with greetings from luncheon sponsor, Rittenhouse. Themoderator, Rena Lubker, introduced the session and provided introductory remarks aboutthis year’s three presentations: a commentary on issues that keep us up at night; areport on considerations to make when leaving big deal licenses and entering into new,OA friendly arrangements; and more discussion about the impact of expansions onlibraries of academic medical affiliation. All three topics provided fodder for livelydiscussion at the end. Ramune Kubilius provided her brief annual update on healthsciences publishing world developments. Are there trends or commonalities in the issuesthat concern health sciences collection managers across institutions? Susan Kendall,editor of a recent book on 21st century collection management shared her thoughts onwhat keeps health sciences collection managers on their toes (or up at night). Audiencemembers were invited to agree or disagree with her list. The ever-changing academiclibrary and affiliated hospital relationship landscape was again explored at theCharleston health sciences-themed gathering. Jean Gudenas examined the effects ofhospital mergers and acquisitions on academic libraries. She discussed the challengeswith negotiating licensing changes quickly, the commitment to communication, and othermatters essential to ensuring access to resources for the new affiliates. What goes intoplanning, preparing and actively shifting towards a more open access friendly landscape?How do consortia make decisions to leave or enter into deals on behalf of a multi-typeacademic library system? Are the interests of health sciences libraries represented?Sarah McClung shared examples of recent collections decisions made by the University ofCalifornia libraries and what lessons can be imparted to other libraries, includingthose licensing in smaller groups or even solo.