From task force to statute: establishing health sciences libraries in state law as a component of the health care system.

This paper describes how Montana librarians successfully incorporated health sciences libraries into the statewide health care resource management plan being developed under 1993 state law. First, a broad-based Montana Task Force for Biomedical Information was formed with funds from the National Network of Libraries of Medicine/Pacific Northwest Region and the Montana Area Health Education Center. The resulting report reviewed findings from national studies and trends to current state developments and deficiencies. The report was presented to the governor and state legislators in the context of cost-containment measures being considered in the state's health care reform bill. Now Montana law provides that "it is further the policy of the state of Montana that the health care system should ... facilitate universal access to current health sciences information," and "The management plan must include ... identification of the current supply and distribution of ... health sciences library resources and services." This experience highlights the need for health sciences librarians to develop skills in advocacy, lobbying, and networking with other components of the health care industry.