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The Purple Book - Online Edition: The Purple Book - A Project In Print

A quick guide to medical resources at Laupus Health Sciences Library

The Purple Book Poster - Presented at MAC 2019

Even in a digital world, health sciences students enjoy using a pocket-sized print book to learn about library services. 

Objective

OBJECTIVE: 

Kathy Cable, MLS & Carrie Forbes, MLS wanted to know if students would still appreciate or want a print resource when visiting the campus library. The idea for the resource came from observing medical students using a small pocket guide to clinical resources on their rounds. The print resource needed to be small or pocket-sized, needed to contain general library information, and we wanted to share shortened links for students to access library resources quickly. 

 

      

 

Methods

METHODS: 

  • Librarians brainstormed for ideas on the most frequently asked questions about Laupus Library's resources and services 
  • We created the Purple Book layout in Microsoft Publisher 
  • We created a corresponding LibGuide with the same information to share link via email signature and on business cards
  • Librarians presented  "The Purple Book" to library staff for review & critique
  • Printed a test run of 20 Purple Books
  • Displayed Purple Books in library and all were taken within 2 days

Purple Book Template

Poster Styling

Poster Styling & Design Methods

We used Mike Morrison's new 2019 research poster design method to create our Purple Book Poster. The reasoning behind this simpler design method is shared in the video above. To learn more about the creator of this poster design check out: 

 

Results

RESULTS

After successful distribution of the initial test Purple Books, the librarians felt the Purple Books were successful. However, to offer more books, funding would be necessary. The director requested price quotes from three printing companies. The least expensive, which turned out to be ECU university printing services, was chosen for the job. Two hundred Purple Books were printed for Fall 2019.  

Conclusions

CONCLUSIONS

From the initial test printing, the librarians felt that the creation and use of the Purple Book was successful. The librarians will continue to monitor Purple Book for updates as needed for future printing, cost, and overall usage. The librarians hope to offer Purple Books throughout the academic year continuously. 

Sample Print Pages

Heidi Reis

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Heidi Reis
she/her/hers
Contact:
Office: 2528 Health Sciences Building
Phone: 252-744-3222

Liaison Librarian to the College of Nursing

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Carrie Forbes
She/Her/Hers
Contact:
Laupus Library
Room 2518
East Carolina University
600 Moye Blvd.
Greenville, NC 27834
252-744-2217 -OR- 252-689-8734 (TEXT)
Website
Subjects: Nursing