Showing papers in "Medical Reference Services Quarterly in 2008"
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TL;DR: Web 2.0 technologies focus on peer production, posting, subscribing, and tagging content; building and inhabiting social networks; and combining existing and emerging applications in new and creative ways to impart meaning, improve search precision, and better represent data.
Abstract: SUMMARY Web 20 technologies focus on peer production, posting, subscribing, and tagging content; building and inhabiting social networks; and combining existing and emerging applications in new and creative ways to impart meaning, improve search precision, and better represent data The Web 20 extended to libraries has been called Library 20, which has ramifications for how librarians, including those who work in medical settings, will interact and relate to persons who were born digital, especially related to teaching and learning, and planning future library services and facilities
64 citations
TL;DR: PEDro is intended to be used to gain "rapid access to bibliographic details and abstracts of randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews and evidence-based clinical practice guidelines in physiotherapy".
Abstract: PEDro is produced by the Centre for Evidence-Based Physiotherapy (CEBP), located in Sydney, Australia. PEDro is intended to be used to gain “rapid access to bibliographic details and abstracts of randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews and evidence-based clinical practice guidelines in physiotherapy.”1 This column will provide some background information on the database, as well as cover the basics of searching its content.
50 citations
TL;DR: The Carcinogenic Potency Database (CPDB) as mentioned in this paper reports analyses of animal cancer tests on 1,547 chemicals used in support of cancer risk assessments for humans Results are searchable and are made available via the National Library of Medicine's TOXNET system.
Abstract: The Carcinogenic Potency Database reports analyses of animal cancer tests on 1,547 chemicals These tests are used in support of cancer risk assessments for humans Results are searchable and are made available via the National Library of Medicine's (NLM) TOXNET system This column will provide background information on the database, as well as present search basics
35 citations
TL;DR: The framework for the course design that combined cultural competency, informatics, and information literacy and was grounded in informatics competencies for nurses at the beginning level, an informatics textbook, and the Neurnan Systems Model is described.
Abstract: Integration of information literacy as a core component into a new online undergraduate nursing course proved to be a learning experience in course design and teaching. This article describes the framework for the course design that combined cultural competency, informatics, and information literacy and was grounded in informatics competencies for nurses at the beginning level, an informatics textbook, and the Neurnan Systems Model. The librarian's role in this process and the information literacy unit's content and written assignment are detailed, and challenges in the collaboration are also addressed.
22 citations
TL;DR: A library-led introductory informatics theme has been part of the Albany Medical College undergraduate medical school curriculum as a concurrent theme since 1993 and has been expanded and increasingly integrated into other themes and clerkships.
Abstract: A library-led introductory informatics theme has been part of the Albany Medical College undergraduate medical school curriculum as a concurrent theme since 1993. Initially, classes were limited to large group sessions focusing on general searching skills. Over the past several years, course content has been expanded and increasingly integrated into other themes and clerkships. Web-based self-paced tutorials have replaced many classroom sessions, and Web 2.0 technologies have been introduced. Collaborations with clinical and basic science faculty in other themes supplement and strengthen the theme.
22 citations
TL;DR: Examples in which hospital librarians are part of multidisciplinary teams created to improve patient care in their hospital are described.
Abstract: Hospital librarians understand they need to move outside the four walls of the physical library and provide information support for clinicians in various settings. Librarians round with patient care teams as clinical librarians. They sit on quality improvement and patient safety committees in order to provide information to those groups. Many are members of their organization's Institutional Review Board. Some of these activities are done for a specific purpose and are short-lived. Other activities become institutionalized as the value of the librarian's contribution is recognized. This article will describe examples in which hospital librarians are part of multidisciplinary teams created to improve patient care in their hospital.
22 citations
TL;DR: This column will focus on the content of the database, as well as searching hints, the online database that focuses on environmental hazards to both human reproduction and development.
Abstract: REPROTOX is an online database that focuses on environmental hazards to both human reproduction and development. It is available by subscription for a nominal fee. This column will focus on the content of the database, as well as searching hints.
21 citations
TL;DR: A revolution in customer service provision beginning in 2002 has led to an evolution of library services when the reference and circulation desks were merged to create a single service point.
Abstract: This article will describe how a revolution in customer service provision beginning in 2002 has led to an evolution of library services. When the reference and circulation desks were merged to create a single service point, responsibilities were broadened, core competencies were developed, and staff members were cross trained. In 2005, an analysis of staffing and work patterns demonstrated a need to build upon the original model to better utilize staff and ensure coverage of the desk. Reference librarians were moved to “on call” status, technical services staff were added to the schedule, and core competencies and procedures were refined.
17 citations
TL;DR: Analysis of the differences in output when searching MEDLINE direct and MEDLINE via citation management software, EndNote X1®, EndNote Web®, and RefWorks© indicated that for in-depth research users, should search the databases directly rather than through the citation managementSoftware interface.
Abstract: The authors of this article analyzed the differences in output when searching MEDLINE direct and MEDLINE via citation management software, EndNote X1®, EndNote Web®, and RefWorks©. Several searches were performed on Ovid MEDLINE and PubMed directly. These searches were compared against the same searches conducted in Ovid MEDLINE and PubMed using the search features in EndNote X1, EndNote Web, and RefWorks. Findings indicated that for in-depth research users, should search the databases directly rather than through the citation management software interface. The search results indicated it would be appropriate to search databases via citation management software for citation verification tasks and for cursory keyword searching.
14 citations
TL;DR: In preparation for their Neurology, Medicine, and Psychiatry clerkships, students attended a review of evidence-based medicine principles and techniques for searching the literature, and an audience response system was used to measure students' understanding of literature retrieval techniques and to gauge student preferences for information seeking on clinical topics.
Abstract: Since 2002, library faculty at the Indiana University School of Medicine have taught third-year medical students how to retrieve the best evidence from MEDLINE to address their clinical questions. In preparation for their Neurology, Medicine, and Psychiatry clerkships, students attended a review of evidence-based medicine principles and techniques for searching the literature. The session was team-taught by two faculty members, one from the Internal Medicine department and the other from the Library. The librarian reviewed important MEDLINE principles for constructing a good subject search and applying appropriate evidence-based filters. During the clerkships, students were asked to generate clinical questions arising from their patient encounters, searched MEDLINE for the best evidence, critiqued the results, and then applied them back to their patients' care. Library faculty provided individualized feedback on the student searches. A follow-up session two months later reinforced MEDLINE princip...
14 citations
TL;DR: Several of TEHIP's resources for emergency/disaster preparedness and response, such as the Radiation Event Medical Management Web site (REMM) and the Wireless Information System for Emergency Responders (WISER) are introduced.
Abstract: The Toxicology and Environmental Health Information Program (TEHIP) of the National Library of Medicine(r) (NLM) works to organize and provide access to a wide range of environmental health and toxicology resources. In recent years, the demand for, and availability of, information on health issues related to natural and man-made emergencies and disasters has increased. Recognizing that access to information is essential in disaster preparedness, a new focus of NLM's 2006-2016 Long Range Plan calls for the establishment of a Disaster Information Management Research Center (DIMRC) that will aid in collecting, disseminating, and sharing information related to health and disasters. This paper introduces several of TEHIP's resources for emergency/disaster preparedness and response, such as the Radiation Event Medical Management Web site (REMM) and the Wireless Information System for Emergency Responders (WISER) . Several of NLM's other disaster prepare...
TL;DR: This article updates the earlier study, describing changes and trends in tutorial content and design on medical libraries' Web sites; the project team plans to continue to track Trends in tutorial development by repeating this study annually.
Abstract: In a 2007 study, librarians at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine Library examined freely available online tutorials on academic medical library Web sites. The team identified tutorial topics, determined common design features, and assessed elements of active learning in library-created tutorials; the team also generated a list of third-party tutorials to which medical libraries link. This article updates the earlier study, describing changes and trends in tutorial content and design on medical libraries' Web sites; the project team plans to continue to track trends in tutorial development by repeating this study annually.
TL;DR: Emergency response planners at the Claude Moore Health Sciences Library at the University of Virginia considered how best to promote the idea and provide a forum for gathering and exchanging information, while maintaining control over content, to help raise awareness about the need for disaster planning in health sciences libraries.
Abstract: In an effort to help raise awareness about the need for disaster planning in health sciences libraries, emergency response planners at the Claude Moore Health Sciences Library at the University of Virginia considered how best to promote the idea and provide a forum for gathering and exchanging information, while maintaining control over content in order to keep the focus and the quality of the entries consistent. The blog they created has been successful in providing much-needed assistance to hospital libraries and other libraries, both large and small, as well as for individuals and other organizations worldwide.
TL;DR: The ways in which one academic health sciences library has utilized wiki software are described, which have found wikis to be valuable collaboration tools.
Abstract: Wikis are part of the suite of Web 2.0 technologies enhancing collaboration and communication. This article describes the ways in which one academic health sciences library has utilized wiki software. The Eccles Health Sciences Library has found wikis to be valuable collaboration tools. Case scenarios and software selection recommendations will be outlined. Examples of collaborations using wikis include grant writing, strategic planning, departmental documentation, and committee work. Comparisons are made between externally hosted and locally hosted wiki software.
TL;DR: “Design thinking” principles from a leading design firm, IDEO, were key elements in the planning process for a one-desk service model, the ASK Desk, at the John A. Prior Health Sciences Library.
Abstract: "Design thinking" principles from a leading design firm, IDEO, were key elements in the planning process for a one-desk service model, the ASK Desk, at the John A. Prior Health Sciences Library. The library administration and staff employed the methodology to enhance customer experiences, meet technology challenges, and compete in a changing education environment. The most recent renovations demonstrate how the principles were applied. The concept of "continuous design thinking" is important in the library's daily operations to serve customers most effectively.
TL;DR: The authors reviewed the first 102 transcripts to examine question types and usage patterns and highlighted lessons learned in instituting the instant messaging (IM) service at Thomas Jefferson University in the US and found that reference mentions represented a small proportion of reference questions, but based on user feedback and technological improvements, the library decided to continue the service.
Abstract: In February 2006, Thomas Jefferson University went live with a new instant messaging (IM) service. This paper reviews the first 102 transcripts to examine question types and usage patterns. In addition, the paper highlights lessons learned in instituting the service. IM reference represents a small proportion of reference questions, but based on user feedback and technological improvements, the library has decided to continue the service.
TL;DR: Data show student resource selection became varied and appropriate, although understanding of study designs is suboptimal, and this combination has improved the students' searching facility and their comfort with library staff.
Abstract: In their third year, medical students transition from the classroom to the hospital. Librarians can ease this transition from assignment-based to patient-based information needs, and at the University of Iowa this takes many forms. Preparation begins in the second year with foundational instruction. Customized electronic resource centers aid in selection of specialized resources; demonstrations at clerkship orientations promote these centers; attending morning reports show a librarian on the clinical team; and exercises assess the ability to find quality answers quickly. This combination has improved the students' searching facility and their comfort with library staff. Data show student resource selection became varied and appropriate, although understanding of study designs is suboptimal. Feedback has been positive from both students and faculty. While these techniques have been successful, they are only the first step in an evolving program.
TL;DR: A lack of time to set up and use the resources, difficulty of set-up and use, skepticism about the quality of user-generated medical content, and a lack of perceived need for Web 2.0 resources contributed substantially to non-use.
Abstract: This article outlines five Web 2.0 resources and looks at the use of these tools among medical and nursing professionals and students at the Hospital, Medical School, and Nursing School of the University of Pennsylvania. Questionnaires showed that a majority of the individuals surveyed were unfamiliar with Web 2.0 resources. Additional respondents recognized the tools but did not use them in a medical or nursing context, with a minimal number using any tools to expand their medical or nursing knowledge. A lack of time to set up and use the resources, difficulty of set-up and use, skepticism about the quality of user-generated medical content, and a lack of perceived need for Web 2.0 resources contributed substantially to non-use. The University of Pennsylvania Biomedical Library is responding by increasing the availability of basic, quick, and easy-to-use instructional materials for selected Web 2.0 resources.
TL;DR: Web-based resources are surveyed that address questions for libraries generally and health sciences libraries more specifically and how does the concept of “Library as Place” support informed decisions for librarians and space planners.
Abstract: Navigate the Net columns offer navigation to Web sites of value to medical librarians. For this issue, the authors recognize that librarians are frequently challenged to justify the need for the physical space occupied by a library in the context of the wide availability of electronic resources, ubiquitous student laptops, and competition for space needed by other institutional priorities. While this trend started years ago, it continues to raise a number of important practical and philosophical questions for libraries and the institutions they serve. What is the library for? What is library space best used for? How does the concept of "Library as Place" support informed decisions for librarians and space planners? In this issue, Web-based resources are surveyed that address these questions for libraries generally and health sciences libraries more specifically.
TL;DR: This column will cover the basics of CMA Infobase, including searching, special features, and available resources which complement the database.
Abstract: The CMA Infobase is a free Web-based resource that contains evidence-based clinical practice guidelines. The database is maintained by the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) and is available on its Web site. The CMA Infobase currently contains 1,200-plus clinical practice guidelines either developed or endorsed by an authoritative health care organization located in Canada. It is an alternative source of free clinical practice guidelines to the National Guideline Clearinghouse. This column will cover the basics of CMA Infobase, including searching, special features, and available resources which complement the database.
TL;DR: This paper discusses the creation, implementation, and maintenance of a Web 2.0 technology, the wiki, as a resource tool for an academic bio-medical library.
Abstract: New and innovative information technologies drive the ever-evolving library profession. From clay tablet to parchment scroll to manufactured paper to computer screen pixel, information storage, retrieval, and delivery methods continue to evolve, and each advance irrevocably affects the way libraries, and librarians, work. The Internet has forever altered information and library science, both in theory and practice, but even within this context the progression continues. Though ambiguously defined, Web 2.0 offers a new outlook and new software, presenting librarians with potentially invaluable new tools and methods. This paper discusses the creation, implementation, and maintenance of a Web 2.0 technology, the wiki, as a resource tool for an academic biomedical library.
TL;DR: An audit and a review of the health information outreach programs that the University of Zambia Medical Library has implemented over many years are reviewed.
Abstract: Access to health information for health workers in Zambia is limited and inadequate, especially to those health workers that are not affiliated with institutions such as the University of Zambia. In order to meet their information needs, it is important to devise and implement appropriate health information access methods. One such method is an Outreach Program. This article is an audit and a review of the health information outreach programs that the University of Zambia Medical Library has implemented over many years.
TL;DR: Several free Internet options available from a variety of commercial, government, U.S., foreign, professional, and consumer sites are described here.
Abstract: There are many online drug information resources available from commercial vendors, but they are often too costly for hospital librarians on a limited budget. Several free Internet options available from a variety of commercial, government, U.S., foreign, professional, and consumer sites are described here.
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TL;DR: In this paper, the librarians at four hospital libraries describe the electronic reference service, "Ask A Librarian", offered at their institutions, and illustrate that both large hospitals with a large library staff and small hospitals with solo librarian and some volunteers can offer this type of service.
Abstract: The librarians at four hospital libraries describe the electronic reference service, “Ask A Librarian,” offered at their institutions. The hospitals are vastly different in size and in number of library staff, and offer the “Ask A Librarian” service to different clientele. The article illustrates that both large hospitals with a large library staff and small hospitals with a solo librarian and some volunteers can offer this type of service.
TL;DR: The OvidSP platform came with innovative changes such as the incorporation of Natural Language Processing associated with the new Basic Search mode and customizable settings, and future direction.
Abstract: As part of its mission to advance the technological capabilities of its products, Ovid introduced a redesign of its database platform in fall 2007 The platform redesign brought new features and enhancements to an already robust system The transition between Ovid Gateway and the OvidSP platform was orchestrated seamlessly With the OvidSP platform came innovative changes such as the incorporation of Natural Language Processing associated with the new Basic Search mode Discussed are OvidSP features, advantages and disadvantages of the new platform, customizable settings, and future direction
TL;DR: The United States increased its efforts to protect its food after 9/11 by broadening the roles of existing agencies, including the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration, and by making coordination of food defense the responsibility of the Department of Homeland Security.
Abstract: Global food supplies are at risk of both accidental and deliberate contamination. As past incidents have demonstrated, food terrorism may cause social, economic, and political disruption. The United States increased its efforts to protect its food after 9/11 by broadening the roles of existing agencies, including the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration, and by making coordination of food defense the responsibility of the Department of Homeland Security. However, weaknesses in the system remain. This article presents background information and Web sites useful for consumers, industry representatives, students, researchers, policy makers, and the librarians that serve them.
TL;DR: The planning process, data collection, and evolution of the planning project are discussed and the digital library is recognized as pivotal to the success of information domain integration throughout the institution.
Abstract: Integrating knowledge-based resources at the point of care is an important opportunity for hospital library involvement. In the progression of an IAIMS planning grant, the digital library is recognized as pivotal to the success of information domain integration throughout the institution. The planning process, data collection, and evolution of the planning project are discussed.
TL;DR: Students serving on the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Curriculum Committee helped map out a three-year plan for training in library and information literacy skills, which would cover tertiary resources, bibliographic searching, evidence-based pharmacy, and advanced information skills.
Abstract: By working in tandem with the Coordinator of Information Management Education (IME) at the University at Buffalo Health Sciences Library, students serving on the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Curriculum Committee helped map out a three-year plan for training in library and information literacy skills. Through meetings and e-mail exchanges with the student representatives, the IME Coordinator developed a series of specific course-related instruction and assessment opportunities which would cover tertiary resources, bibliographic searching, evidence-based pharmacy, and advanced information skills.
TL;DR: The field of biomedical informatics is discussed and the results of an informal survey from the librarians who participated in the fall session of 2005 are explored.
Abstract: Twice a year, the National Library of Medicine and Marine Biological Laboratory co-sponsor a fellowship in Biomedical Informatics for librarians, clinicians, and other health professionals in Woods Hole, MA. The fellowship is designed to inspire participants to become "agents of change" at their institution and to broaden their scope of knowledge for biomedical informatics. This paper discusses the field of biomedical informatics and explores the results of an informal survey from the librarians who participated in the fall session of 2005.
TL;DR: This bibliographic essay covers the current trends of library service and the context in which libraries operate while leading readers to resources where they can learn more.
Abstract: Measurement of library systems and services is a multidimensional management task. New paradigms of library service and the context in which libraries operate have made it necessary for librarians to find new measures while at the same time keeping the old. Factors that can be measured, such as needs, inputs, quality processes, outputs, quality of service, outcomes, and impacts, are described. This bibliographic essay covers the current trends while leading readers to resources where they can learn more.