Medical research and the Institutional Review Board: The librarian's role in human subject testing

Abstract

Purpose

Librarians at Eastern Virginia Medical School established a proactive role in research support when the position of Institutional Review Board (IRB) librarian was created in 2001. Aims to confirm that the IRB librarian assists the school's boards in ensuring human subjects’ protection. Generally, this service is provided in the form of comprehensive searches of medical and other literature and news.

Design/methodology/approach

A program was instigated in order to provide expertise in literature searches to support board members, as they review individual protocols.

Findings

Although serving a relatively small number of users, the program has a major impact on the school's research agenda.

Originality/value

Describes lessons learned, problems encountered, outcomes, and professional gains and lists materials for further reading.

Citation

Robinson, J.G. and Lipscomb Gehle, J. (2005), "Medical research and the Institutional Review Board: The librarian's role in human subject testing", Reference Services Review, Vol. 33 No. 1, pp. 20-24. https://doi.org/10.1108/00907320410519360