2004 additions to standards approved

I am happy to announce that the 2004 revisions to the "Standards for Hospital Libraries 2002" have been approved by the MLA Board of Directors.

Content of the revisions:

• an updated bibliography
• a definition of a library
• the following revision to standard 6:

Resources, technology and services that must be provided include:

Convenient access to expert searching.

A current and authoritative collection of print, electronic, and multimedia resources for the timely provision of knowledge-based information. There is a plan to provide
access to knowledge-based information during times when electronic systems are
unavailable.

Appropriate technology to enable the use of these information resources

A catalog or database and taxonomy to efficiently locate materials.

Resource sharing agreements and membership in library and information consortia to enable efficient provision of materials not directly accessible.