Meet Yvette – she’s the information detective your research has been missing!
Q: What do you do as a library technician at the VCH Vancouver Community Library?
A: One thing I really like about my job is that as a member of the Library Services team, I get to help uncover the information that supports evidence-based practice and clinical decision-making at VCH. To do this I perform literature searches, track down journal articles and arrange interlibrary loans for books that aren’t in our collection.
Q: What is the best part of your job?
A: I like being an information detective and my work is always interesting. I’m constantly learning something new and working with people from a wide range of roles and departments at VCH: primary care to physiotherapy to public health, and all others in between. I feel like I get to be a part of helping VCH provide the best possible care.
Q: What is the most interesting request you’ve received at work?
A: One of the more interesting searches I’ve done recently is looking into the different strains of cannabis for use in harm reduction. I investigated their effect on psychosis and/or schizophrenia by exploring websites like Leafly and High Times, reviewing journal literature and connecting with experts in the field. It was fascinating!
Q: What do you wish more people knew about the VCH Vancouver Community Library?
A: That we exist! We’re here and we want to help you. Whether you’re conducting a program evaluation or program development, you’re looking for best practices in your field, or you’re providing patient care – I can find the information that will help inform your work. If you find an article online that you need, but it costs $28 to access – don’t pay for it! I can help you track it down through our vast interlibrary loan network instead.
Q: What do you like to do when you’re not at work?
A: I volunteer at WISH, a society that works to improve the health, safety and well-being of women who are involved in Vancouver’s street-based sex trade. I also like roller skating on the seawall in the summer, hiking and exploring my neighbourhood. And whenever I get the chance, I like to travel as much as possible.
Q: If you won a free vacation to anywhere in the world, where would you go?
A: All the places! Iceland for the hot springs and Churchill in Manitoba for the polar bears, are just two of the places on my bucket list. But I’d also love to go back to Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, or any tropical island really.
To learn more about Library Services at VCH, send them an email at vchlibraryservices@vch.ca.
