The Role of Reference Librarians in Clinical Information Access
Author Information
Author(s): David K Howse, Paul J Bracke, Samuel M Keim
Primary Institution: Arizona Health Sciences Library
Hypothesis
If the library could produce a tool that emulated the simplicity of an Internet search engine, clinicians might be more inclined to use it.
Conclusion
The project successfully introduced a new tool for clinical users and proposed a revised role for reference librarians as technology mediators.
Supporting Evidence
- The project involved collaboration between reference librarians and clinical faculty to improve access to information.
- A customized search tool was developed to meet the specific needs of busy clinicians.
- The study highlights the importance of librarians in facilitating knowledge transfer in clinical settings.
Takeaway
This study shows that librarians can help doctors find information more easily by creating simple search tools, making it quicker for them to get the answers they need.
Methodology
The study involved creating a customized federated search tool for clinical users through collaboration between librarians and clinicians.
Limitations
The study does not provide quantitative data on the effectiveness of the new tool or user satisfaction.
Participant Demographics
The study involved reference librarians and clinicians from the Arizona Health Sciences Library and the Emergency Department.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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