The information needs of music therapists: challenges of assessment in the clinical setting

Abstract

Objective – This paper explores various methods that librarians can use to evaluate and meet the information needs of clinical music therapists (MTs). Methods – A survey of the literature of music therapy (MT) found many empirical studies of MT but none describing how MTs commonly express and satisfy their information needs. As a means of assessing their information needs, we first examine the basic features of MT practice and then compare MTs' information needs with the well-documented needs of nurses. Results – We believe that MTs and nurses exhibit similar basic information needs, such as access to (i) colleagues and experts; (ii) current information in print, electronic, and alternate formats; (iii) reference and ILL assistance from librarians; and (iv) library training to search databases and catalogues. Conclusions – Librarians should collaborate with MTs to identify their specific information needs. To begin, library services can be built by allocating relatively few resources. To evaluate what is required in evidence-based MT, librarians and MT associations should administer a national needs-assessment survey or questionnaire.