Showing papers in "Medical Reference Services Quarterly in 2006"

EndNote and Reference Manager Citation formats compared to "instructions to authors" in top medical journals

Abstract: The study compared citation format in EndNote version 7 and Reference Manager version 11 with the citation format for references found in the instructions to authors from the most significant medical literature. The resulting information should be very useful to those who depend on citation management software to format and organize their references for publication in medicine, and librarians and others who teach the use of citation management software.

Health sciences librarians' reference services during a disaster: more than collection protection.

Abstract: Reliable and timely professional information services are always important, but even more so during a community-wide disaster, like the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. There are classes and literature on planning for library collection protection in local emergencies, but little about planning for reference and information services. Four accounts from South Louisiana in September of 2005 demonstrate the value of proactive and innovative services based on professional information needs analysis skills. More study of such cases could lead to the development of best practice guidelines for the planning and provision of disaster information services.

Information Literacy and Library Attitudes of Occupational Therapy Students

Abstract: Information literacy, often described as a person's ability to effectively find and evaluate answers to questions using a variety of information resources, is of particular importance to health care work- ers. This paper presents the results of an information literacy survey presented to occupational therapy (OT) students at Thomas Jefferson University during a series of required class activities. Also described are the authors' activities with the faculty and courses at Jefferson. The survey was made available to first-, second-, third-, and fourth- year occupational therapy students along with nursing students and pharmacy students. The survey is designed to identify research habits, skills, and preferences. Results confirm some commonly held percep- tions about searching skills of young adults and an interesting dichot- omy in students' learning habits. The paper concludes with a discussion of recommendations to OT faculty and librarians on how to improve in- formation literacy education. The survey can be obtained by contacting

Current awareness in the new millennium: RSS.

Abstract: Keeping current is essential for both patrons and librarians in the health sciences. We receive electronic and photocopied tables of contents. We subscribe to relevant mailing lists, newspapers, and magazines. We review Web sites, books, and journals. Our desks are littered with current awareness items that more often get old than read. RSS or “Really Simple Syndication” is a means of organizing and simplifying current awareness efforts. Using RSS feeds from a variety of sources along with aggregator software, librarians can keep up-to-date without the clutter. This article will provide a starting point from which to take advantage of RSS and continue the process of active learning.

Lessons Learned from Single Service Point Implementations

Abstract: Interest in consolidating service points within health sciences libraries continues. This article proposes a definition of a library single service point and mentions some notable examples in academic health sciences libraries. The experiences of two of these libraries are summarized and compared, and the advice culled from those experiences is shared. The advice is in the form of sharing lessons learned, answering six frequently asked questions about combining services and staff under a single service umbrella. The article offers insights for other library staff considering this type of service reorganization.

Transformation of a print reference collection.

Abstract: Prompted by the need to move an aged and sorely neglected print reference collection into a new smaller academic medical library, the Reference Team of the Dana Medical Library at the University of Vermont embarked on a massive project to shrink and revitalize its paper reference collection. Employing a comprehensive and contemporary approach, the project ultimately resulted in a refurbished collection that would more effectively meet the information needs of the 21st century library user. This paper describes the process employed, and the numerous quality improvements to the physical collection, supporting infrastructure, and collection management practices that resulted.

TOXMAP: a GIS-based gateway to environmental health resources.

Abstract: The National Library of Medicine (NLM) has an extensive collection of environmental health information, including bibliographic and technical data on hazardous chemical substances, in its TOXNET databases. TOXNET also provides access to the United States Environment Protection Agency (EPA)'s Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) data, which covers release of specific chemicals via air, water, and land, and by underground injection, as reported by industrial facilities around the United States. NLM has developed a Web-based geographic information system (GIS), TOXMAP , which allows users to create dynamic maps that show where TRI chemicals are released and that provides direct links to information about the chemicals in TOXNET. By extracting the associated regional geographic text terms from the displayed map (e.g., rivers, towns, county, state), TOXMAP also provides customized chemical and/or region-specific searches of NLM's bibliographic biomedical resources. This paper focuses on TOXMAP's features, data accuracy issues, challenges, user feedback techniques, and future directions.

Web tutorials: bibliographic instruction in a new medium.

Abstract: Libraries are adding electronic resources of all kinds at an increasing pace to provide service to users outside the library and around the world. To meet this new demand, libraries are turning more and more to the use of online tutorials as a valuable means of providing instruction on how to access and use important resources. This article describes the Health Sciences Library and Biocommunications Center's work and experiences while creating tutorials, the ideas used, and ways the work was evaluated.

Expert googling: best practices and advanced strategies for using google in health sciences libraries.

Abstract: Google is the search engine of choice for most Internet users. For a variety of reasons, librarians and other expert searchers do not always use Google to its full potential, even though it provides capabilities not possible in traditional bibliographic databases and other search engines. Applying expert searching principles and practices, such as the use of advanced search operators, information retrieval strategies, and search hedges to Google will allow health sciences librarians to find quality information on the Internet more efficiently and effectively.

Retention of EBM competencies.

Abstract: This longitudinal follow-up study surveyed the attitudes toward, and skills in, evidence-based medicine (EBM) of medical school graduates who had participated in a formal EBM curriculum during their third-year Internal Medicine (IM) clerkship. The objective was to measure whether competencies were retained over time and to identify the long- term impact on the graduates' attitudes toward, and proficiency in, EBM after graduation. Questionnaire results showed that a group of medical school graduates retained EBM skills and a positive attitude about the importance of applying EBM principles in patient care one to three years after completing an EBM course.

Global health database.

Abstract: The Global Health database is available from Ovid Technologies, Inc., and also from CABI Publishing, EBSCO, and DataStar/DIALOG. This database is really the combination of two others—the Public Health and Tropical Medicine database, formerly produced by the Bureau of Hygiene and Tropical Diseases, as well as human health and diseases information that is extracted from the CAB Abstracts database. This column will provide readers with an overview of the Global Health database, as well as present some searching hints. The Ovid interface will be used.

Sources of information on postgraduate medical training programs and medical specialty career resources-2006 update.

Abstract: This is the final biennial1 update listing directories, journal articles, Web sites, and general books that aid the librarian, house officer, or medical student in finding information on medical residency and fellowship programs. The World Wide Web provides the most complete and up-to-date source of information about postgraduate training programs and specialties. This update continues to go beyond postgraduate training resources to include selected Web sites and books on curriculum vitae writing, practice management, personal finances, the “Match,” certification and licensure examination preparation, lifestyle issues, job hunting, and the DEA license application process. Print resources are included if they provide information not on the Internet, have features that are particularly useful, or cover too many relevant topics in depth to be covered in a journal article or on a Web site. The Internet is a major marketing tool for hospitals seeking to recruit the best and brightest physicians for th...

Native American health: traditional healing and culturally competent health care internet resources.

Abstract: Health disparities between Native Americans and the general population of the United States are a major health concern. Traditional healing and culturally competent health care offer much promise in raising the health status of Native Americans. Traditional healing, although uniquely practiced by each indigenous culture, is generally a system of medicine based on the inseparability of mind, body, and spirit. Culturally competent health care, care that is congruent with the culture and language of the patient, is a growing initiative in western medicine. This article outlines Internet sites and online resources relevant to the study and practice of traditional healing and culturally competent health care.

Librarians in the Woods Hole Biomedical Informatics course.

Abstract: What has come to be known as the “Woods Hole course,” Biomedical Informatics, is a week-long course sponsored by the National Library of Medicine which has been offered since 1992. Its participants include librarians, clinicians, educators, and administrators. This article discusses the content of the course and its applicability to medical librarians.

e-Learning Object Portals: a new resource that offers new opportunities for librarians.

Abstract: e-Learning Object Portals are emerging as a new form of electronic information. Four portals most effective in providing health care information are identified: The Medical Library Association's Center of Research and Education (CORE), the Health Education Assets Library (HEAL), the American Academy of Medical College's MedEDPortal, and the Multimedia Education Resource for Learning and Online Teaching (MERLOT). Various user groups such as librarians, educators, and students are discussed, as well as their reasons for using e-learning object portals. New roles for librarians in promoting and developing these portals are also reviewed.

Librarians collaborating with nurses.

Abstract: Nurses have the potential to be one of the largest groups of users a medical library can serve. In recognition of this fact, librarians at St. John's Health System embarked on a journey to collaborate with nurses and increase this group's use of the medical library. In 2004, a nursing outreach plan was developed by librarians, with input from non-physician health care employees. The nursing outreach plan will be reviewed along with the barriers and successes encountered during implementation of the plan. Innovative strategies for reaching nursing personnel were accomplished by partnering with nurses to reach nurses.

An introductory guide to drug reference sources.

Abstract: A huge number of drug reference sources exist. For the librarian new to the drug information field, choosing the appropriate source to answer a reference question can be difficult. This paper presents some common drug reference questions and some of the American, British, and Canadian tools best suited to answering them.

Using a portable wireless computer lab to provide outreach training to public health workers.

Abstract: Librarians at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in Shreveport developed an outreach program for public health workers in north Louisiana. This program provided hands-on training on how to find health information resources on the Web. Several challenges arose during this project. Public health units in the region lacked suitable teaching labs and faced limited travel budgets and tight staffing requirements, which made it impractical for public health workers to travel. One solution to these problems is a portable wireless computer lab that can be set up at each site. The outreach program utilized this approach to present on-site training to public health workers in the region. The paper discusses operational and technical issues encountered in implementing this public health outreach project.

HSCL LibQUAL+ 2004: from numbers and graphs to practical application.

Abstract: The University of Florida Health Science Center Libraries created a task force representing various departments to review data from its 2004 LibQUAL+ survey. This review compared results from the 2002 and 2004 LibQUAL+ surveys, and the data from the Association of Academic Health Science Libraries 2004 cohort. The task force analyzed the key components of the LibQUAL+ survey: Affect of Service, Information Control, Library as Place, and user comments. At the conclusion of this review, the task force made recommendations and suggestions along departmental lines to meet the patrons' needs and expectations. In addition to following the task force recommendations, the Libraries independently implemented several new services and hired additional personnel after the completion of the 2004 survey. Combined, these changes should improve overall library service and increase customer satisfaction. Looking towards the 2006 LibQUAL+ survey, the task force will be convened in advance and will guide the entire process.

Multimedia bootcamp: encouraging faculty to integrate technology in teaching.

Abstract: As students entering college, graduate, and professional schools have increased needs and preferences for multimedia in instruction, faculty need to learn appropriate techniques for integrating technology into their educational duties. Instructional designers at the Claude Moore Health Sciences Library at the University of Virginia developed and implemented aMultimedia Bootcamp to help faculty and their support staff develop the skills necessary to integrate technology into teaching.

Evaluation of a hospital medical library class for NICU nurses.

Abstract: A library class was designed and offered to new nurses from the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at the Children's Hospital of Michigan between 2003 and 2005. The class was intended to increase their knowledge of quality health information resources and to assist them with their smooth transition to a new health care organization. The goal of the library training class was to develop the nurses' awareness and knowledge of the library services and online resources on the organization Intranet and to improve their skills in finding reliable information related to patient care, patient parent education, and research. An evaluation study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of the library class. Although the findings demonstrated strengths of the library class, they also revealed some areas for improvement. The data gathered resulted in a number of recommendations regarding library instruction design and evaluation.

Not just for celebrities: collaborating with a PR representative to market library education services.

Abstract: Hardin Library for the Health Sciences offers an education service called Hardin House Calls. In collaboration with the University of Iowa libraries' public relations coordinator, the education team developed a marketing campaign for Hardin House Calls. Marketing strategies included designing a new logo, meeting with external relations representatives and faculty, distributing a user survey, and producing and distributing posters and advertisements. These marketing strategies greatly increased the visibility and use of Hardin House Calls. The campaign also led to a series of faculty development sessions, education collaborations with smaller health sciences departments, and collection development opportunities. Promoting an instructional service through a public relations frameworkwas found to be a highly successful strategy.

Developing and sustaining a web-based library newsletter.

Abstract: The JEFFLINE Forum, Scott Library's attempt to revive the traditional library newsletter by employing the technical advantages and increasing presence of the Web, debuted in October 1999. The fifth anniversary of the Forum was a good time to look back at its evolution and to examine some of the challenges inherent in developing and sustaining a library newsletter. By identifying the most successful strategies, and reflecting on the lessons learned along way, the authors hope to continue the evolution of the Forum and help to ensure the viability of the library newsletter.

Making sense of disorders of hemostasis and thrombosis at the reference desk.

Abstract: This paper discusses concepts and terminology of some aspects of disorders of hemostasis (stopping bleeding) and thrombosis (blood clotting) as it relates to medical reference work. Details of anatomic, biochemical, and pathologic processes are not discussed. Specific terminology involved in this area will be reviewed in order to help ensure a good approach to developing prudent strategies for database searching of the medical literature. MeSH thesauri terms are discussed and text word synonyms are presented that provide tools for thorough searching techniques. Examples of specific search strategies are illustrated.

The Literature, Arts, and Medicine Database from the New York University School of Medicine.

Abstract: The Literature, Arts, and Medicine Database is a unique database created and maintained by the New York University School of Medicine, freely available to all on the Web. Focusing on the medical humanities, it provides annotations to over 2,000 works of art such as paintings, poetry, prose, plays, and film. The annotations are written by an eclectic group of scholars that includes physicians, scientists, poets, historians, and critics.

Getting the picture: medical images on the Web.

Abstract: Visual representations are used to convey ideas and concepts. They add value to educational venues. Files digitized from hard-copy media or born-digital files are standard formats, and the Internet is a resource for locating billions of these files. Searchers should be cognizant of the legal and ethical implications of using images downloaded from the Internet. This article intends to inform users about medical images on the Internet, as well as providing a select list of Web-based medical image sources.

CIRRIE: an international rehabilitation resource.

Abstract: The CIRRIE Database of International Rehabilitation Research is an appropriate companion resource to NARIC's REHABDATA Literature Database. It is produced at the University of Buffalo, State University of New York (or SUNY-Buffalo to those from the Northeast). CIRRIE includes only published information resources that cover research that is conducted outside of the United States. Those who wish to locate information about published research conducted within the United States should consult REHABDATA. This column presents basic information about the database, its searching conventions and thesaurus, and some general information about CIRRIE as a general resource of online information.

Hospital library foreign language labs: the experiences of two hospital libraries.

Abstract: Increasingly, hospital-based physicians, residents, and medical students are welcoming into their care foreign-born patients, who do not speak English. Most hospitals today have an Interpretive Services Department, but many of the physicians, residents, and medical students want to become more proficient in the most frequently spoken foreign languages in their respective locales. To help recruit and retain a diverse workforce, some hospitals sponsor English programs for staff. The Treadwell Library at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts, and the Grady Branch Library at Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia, have developed a special collection and hospital library-based language laboratories in order to meet this need.

A guide to information resources on aging and gerontology.

Abstract: As a result of the graying of the American population, the demand for authoritative information and resources about all aspects of the aging process and later life has exploded. Older people, their families, health and social service professionals, and younger individuals benefit from professional guidance in locating and evaluating Web based resources on such topics as chronic diseases, drug information, benefit programs, housing alternatives, financial and legal issues, and statistics. This article provides an overview of aging in the 21st century and an introduction to the wealth of authoritative information on aging that can be found on the World Wide Web. Capsule reviews of selected Web sites are included.

Implementing a personalized resource management program for a small medical library by using LinkOut.

Abstract: End users want easy access to electronic full-text articles from their desktops This small medical library has implemented an easy and cost-effective resource management program to meet this user need This column will describe the implementation, use, and maintenance of the National Library of Medicine's LinkOut, a personalized resource management program that provides immediate access to the library's online journal full-text holdings via hyperlinks