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Health sciences libraries: strategies in an era of changing economics.

Libraries in health care settings reflect their parent institutions, which, in turn, are affected by environmental changes. The economic climate of the 1980s, unleashing competitive forces and threatening the survival of some institutions, has had a major impact on both hospitals and academic health centers. The challenge to libraries of these institutions calls for reassessment of programs and realignment in their power structures. It is argued that libraries which position themselves to capitalize on the current economic environment will create a future with new opportunities.

Academic Medical Centers↗

Development of methodologic tools for planning and managing library services. IV. Bibliography of studies selected for methods and data useful to biomedical libraries.

This selective bibliography is intended to serve as a guide to empirical studies reporting data and methods that can be used by medical librarians to assess their own efforts objectively and to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of services they offer. The decision rules that governed selection of items for the bibliography are specified in detail. A total of 178 items published between 1915 and mid-1968 met the selection criteria. The list of items is supplemented by a keyword index derived from titles. Half the items are journal articles; a third of these articles appeared in the Bulletin, and most of the remainder in thirteen other library and information science journals. Most of the non-journal items are technical reports issued by the organization that conducted or sponsored the work. The characteristics of this literature suggest that few medical libraries, unless they are part of a university system that includes the collection of a library or information science school, are likely to have quick access to the literature base needed to support a comprehensive program of self-evaluation studies and the continuing education of their own staff. Regional medical libraries might well undertake to ensure both ready access to, and awareness of, literature on the scientific aspects of librarianship.

Bibliographies as Topic↗

Document delivery capabilities of major biomedical libraries in 1968: results of a national survey employing standardized tests.

The standardized Document Delivery Tests (DDT's) developed earlier (Bulletin 56: 241-267, July 1968) were employed to assess the capability of ninety-two medical school libraries for meeting the document needs of biomedical researchers, and the capability of fifteen major resource libraries for filling I-L requests from biomedical libraries. The primary test data are summarized as statistics on the observed availability status of the 300 plus documents in the test samples, and as measures expressing capability as a function of the mean time that would be required for users to obtain test sample documents. A mathematical model is developed in which the virtual capability of a library, as seen by its users, equals the algebraic sum of the basic capability afforded by its holdings; the combined losses attributable to use of its collection, processing, relative inacessibility, and housekeeping problems; and the gain realized by coupling with other resources (I-L borrowing). For a particular library, or group of libraries, empirical values for each of these variables can be calculated easily from the capability measures and the status statistics. Regression equations are derived that provide useful predictions of basic capability from collection size. The most important result of this work is that cost-effectiveness analyses can now be used as practical decision aids in managing a basic library service. A program of periodic surveys and further development of DDT's is recommended as appropriate for the Medical Library Association.

Costs and Cost Analysis↗

Mechanization of library procedures in the medium-sized medical library. 8. Computer applications in hospital departmental libraries.

To test the hypothesis that a standard library system could be designed for hospital departmental libraries, a system was developed and partially tested for four departmental libraries in the Washington University School of Medicine and Associated Hospitals. The system from determination of needs through design and evaluation, is described. The system was limited by specific constraints to control of the monograph collection. Products of control include catalog cards, accessions list, new book list, location list, fund list, missing book list, and discard book list. Sample data form and pages from a procedure manual are given, and conversion from a manual to an automated system is outlined. The question of standardization of library records and procedures is discussed, with indications of the way in which modular design, as utilized in this system, could contribute to greater flexibility in design of future systems. Reference is made to anticipating needs for organizing departmental libraries in developing regional medical library programs and to exploring the role of the departmental library in a medical library network.

Computers↗

Long-range planning.

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Hospital Administration↗

Development of methodologic tools for planning and managing library services. II. Measuring a library's capability for providing documents.

A method of measuring a library's capability for providing the documents its users need has been developed. The library is tested with a representative sample of such documents to determine how long would be required for users to obtain these documents. Test results are expressed in terms of a Capability Index, which has a maximal value of 100 only if all the sample documents are found "on shelf." Specific tests employing samples of 300 documents have been developed that are appropriate for academic and for "reservoir" biomedical libraries. Realistic field trials have demonstrated that these two tests are practical to administer and that test results are adequately reproducible. When strict comparability is not important, a library can test itself. In assessing a reservoir library, test results are supplemented by data on its typical processing time for interlibrary loan requests. Currently these tests are being used in a national survey. The general method is applicable to other types of libraries, provided appropriate test samples are established. If their limitations are clearly understood, these "Document Delivery Tests" can be valuable tools for planning and managing library services.

Information Services↗

Topics in library technology: charging systems.

Methods of circulation control, using the Newark Charging System as a prototype, are reviewed. Two criteria for a charging system in a university and special library are that it must show both location and due date of materials taken out of the library. The transaction card, charging machine, punched card, and computer are devices designed to speed up conventional procedures. They are described and evaluated according to the aforementioned criteria.

Library Administration↗

Perspectives on academic health sciences libraries in the 1980s: indicators from a Delphi study.

A Delphi study was undertaken to identify the changes in library roles and functions that the directors of academic health sciences libraries believe will occur over the next decade. The methodology is described and the results are summarized. Two scenarios resulted: one, highly desirable; the other, highly probable. They overlap by 64%. Library directors expect moderate evolutionary changes in the next ten years. Users are perceived to be the force maintaining the status quo, while technology is the force advancing change. The adoption of technology is seen as desirable and within the libraries' span of control. Education and service roles of librarians will expand. Library and institutional priorities are seen as obstacles to change.

Canada↗

The health information environment: a view of organizational and professional needs and priorities.

Inspired by Platform for Change: The Educational Policy Statement of the Medical Library Association, this paper discusses the institutional changes, new delivery modes and services, learning and development, leadership, and strategies needed for health sciences librarians to prosper in the changing medical information environment. To fulfill their potential, librarians must articulate and act upon a vision that involves them more fully in the work of faculty, researchers, and medical practitioners.

Curriculum↗

A survey of health sciences libraries in hospitals: implications for the 1990s.

In response to an expressed need for comprehensive data on health sciences libraries in hospitals, the American Hospital Association (AHA) conducted a survey of all U.S. registered hospitals in 1990. The response rate was 57%. Results showed that 2,167 hospitals (31.6% of all U.S. registered hospitals) had on-site libraries that met four definitional criteria. Survey results also indicated that hospitals use diverse resources and approaches to provide information services to a wide array of health care providers and consumers. These baseline data, combined with an assessment of key environmental factors affecting hospitals, can provide guidance to hospital libraries as they face the challenges of the 1990s. The AHA has added the health sciences library to services tracked in its annual survey of hospitals; additional research opportunities in this area remain.

American Hospital Association↗

Providing library services in a time of fiscal crisis: alternatives.

The nature of the fiscal crisis in health science libraries in the United States is in part due to the style of management in these libraries, in part due to the lack of user identification, in part due to the lack of economically valid fees for service, and in part due to the success of the Biomedical Communications Network. These issues are discussed in terms of how they might be approached. A pragmatic stance is advocated for practitioners, the MLA, the NLM, and library schools to jointly address the questions raised.

Economics↗