Competencies and Challenges of the Reference Librarian in University Health Libraries: Comparative Analysis Between Cuba and Mexico (2015–2023)
Keywords:
Librarians, Information literacy, University libraries, Health sciences, Public health, DigitizationAbstract
This literature review examines the role of the reference librarian in university health and public health libraries in Cuba and Mexico, assessing their competencies and challenges from 2015 to 2023. The aim is to understand their impact on health education and research through a critical analysis of current literature. The search was conducted in databases such as Scopus, PubMed, SciELO, Redalyc, LILACS, CUMED, and Infomed, as well as catalogs from UNAM and the University of Havana, selecting publications in Spanish, English, or Portuguese relevant to the Latin American context. Key findings highlight essential competencies like information literacy and expertise in biomedical databases, critical at institutions such as UNAM’s Faculty of Medicine and the University of Medical Sciences of Havana. Challenges include incomplete digitization of resources and infrastructure and technological gaps, hindering access to information in both countries. This professional enhances medical training and public health by facilitating access to verified information. Future research should explore ongoing training to reinforce their significance for the UNAM Library System and Cuban counterparts.
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