BRS Colleague MEDLINE end user training follow-up survey.

The amount of recent literature describing end user training programs is substantial, yet there are few reports evaluating the effectiveness of such training. This article reports on a follow-up survey of the first seventy-five trainees of a four-hour BRS Colleague MEDLINE training program at the Health Sciences Library of East Carolina University. The 90.7 percent response rate to the questionnaire provided information about both those who performed searches and those who had not. It indicated how trainees felt about their training, their ability to perform searches or reason for not performing searches, and types of additional training the trainees desired. Survey results are discussed in terms of effectiveness of the training for the end user with infrequent search needs, possible modifications to improve the effectiveness of the training, and possible alternatives to BRS Colleague MEDLINE.     

BRS Colleague MEDLINE End User Training Follow-up Survey

The amount of recent literature describing end user training programs is substantial, yet there are few reports evaluating the effectiveness of such training. This article reports on a follow-up survey of the first seventy-five trainees of a four-hour BRS Colleague MEDLINE training program at the Health Sciences Library of East Carolina University. The 90.7 percent response rate to the questionnaire provided information about both those who performed searches and those who had not. It indicated how trainees felt about their training, their ability to perform searches or reason for not performing searches, and types of additional training the trainees desired. Survey results are discussed in terms of effectiveness of the training for the end user with infrequent search needs, possible modifications to improve the effectiveness of the training, and possible alternatives to BRS Colleague MEDLINE.     

Navigating the MLA Bibliography—Redux: Performance Across Vendor Platforms and Discovery Tools

ABSTRACT

The authors updated their 2009 article on the MLA International Bibliography (MLAIB) by comparing it across three vendor platforms to determine if seemingly comparable searches continued to produce varying results. As much as possible, the authors tested the same searches as were tested in the original article and added additional ones for further exploration. Findings illustrate that while there are fewer differences than was the case previously, differences still exist. The authors also investigated discovery services to identify factors affecting MLAIB searches. The authors discuss the impact of their findings on users, from undergraduates to faculty researchers.     

Comparison of Research Speed and Accuracy Using Westlaw Classic and WestlawNext

In 2010, Thomson Reuters released WestlawNext powered by WestSearch, a novel and proprietary algorithm. WestlawNext represents a new approach to legal research platform design. This article empirically examines the differences in search results using Westlaw Classic and WestlawNext by testing law students and librarians in both systems. Results demonstrate that researchers complete everyday searches faster and more accurately using WestlawNext. However, WestSearch's unique features and Thomson Reuters' failure to explain the function behind the WestlawNext main search bar and the WestSearch algorithm has limited researchers' ability to understand and effectively use WestlawNext. This lack of understanding has significant implications for instruction.     

Avoiding versus seeking: the relationship of information seeking to avoidance, blunting, coping, dissonance, and related concepts.

QUESTION: How have theorists and empirical researchers treated the human tendency to avoid discomforting information? DATA SOURCES: A historical review (1890-2004) of theory literature in communication and information studies, coupled with searches of recent studies on uptake of genetic testing and on coping strategies of cancer patients, was performed. STUDY SELECTION: The authors' review of the recent literature included searches of the MEDLINE, PsychInfo, and CINAHL databases between 1992 and summer of 2004 and selective, manual searches of earlier literature. Search strategies included the following subject headings and key words: MeSH headings: Genetic Screening/psychology, Decision Making, Neoplasms/diagnosis/genetics/psychology; CINAHL headings: Genetic Screening, Genetic Counseling, Anxiety, Decision Making, Decision Making/Patient; additional key words: avoidance, worry, monitoring, blunting, cancer. The "Related Articles" function in MEDLINE was used to perform additional "citation pearl" searching. MAIN RESULTS: The assumption that individuals actively seek information underlies much of psychological theory and communication practice, as well as most models of the information-seeking process. However, much research has also noted that sometimes people avoid information, if paying attention to it will cause mental discomfort or dissonance. Cancer information in general and genetic screening for cancer in particular are discussed as examples to illustrate this pattern. CONCLUSION: That some patients avoid knowledge of imminent disease makes avoidance behavior an important area for social and psychological research, particularly with regard to genetic testing.     

Web-Based Citation Management Compared to EndNote: Options for Medical Sciences

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.     

网络环境下信息检索与利用课程教学模式探讨与实践

文章探讨了网络环境下信息检索与利用课程的教学模式.这种模式以建构主义学习理论与教学理论为指导,以培养学生学习兴趣,加强学生的实践操作为核心内容.主要由兴趣教学与实践教学两部分组成,贯穿于课前准备、课堂教学、实践环节、课程考核等教学过程.     

CBM专题副主题词使用频率的分析与研究

副主题词是指主题词所论述的重点课题的自然范畴或者通常发生的某一方面,对主题词限定的一类词汇。副主题词本身涉及医学研究的特定范畴,通过对副主题词频率的统计分析可以揭示医学研究的热点与方向。本文采用基本检索的方式,检索了近年来在中国生物医学文献数据库（CBM）所标引的文献,从中抽取3000篇文献,对其中的副主题词出现的频次进行统计,并对统计结果以图表的形式进行了分析。希望信息用户能根据这些分析更加了解在学科上医学文献的研究热点与特色,以期待更好的为临床及科学研究服务。     

GRATEFUL MED: a tool for studying searching behavior.

The latest release of GRATEFUL MED offers medical libraries an opportunity to monitor searching patterns of end users searching the databases of the National Library of Medicine (NLM). A GRATEFUL MED use log records information from each search session. Analysis of the log from a recent beta test program at the Welch Medical Library indicates that most NLM searches occur in the MEDLINE database. Moreover, the study reveals that searchers overlook many user-friendly features of the program. Evaluation of the use log suggests changes for future versions of the program.     

Retrieval comparison of EndNote to search MEDLINE (Ovid and PubMed) versus searching them directly

Using EndNote version 7.0, the authors tested the search capabilities of the EndNote search engine for retrieving citations from MEDLINE for importation into EndNote, a citation management software package. Ovid MEDLINE and PubMed were selected for the comparison. Several searches were performed on Ovid MEDLINE and PubMed using EndNote as the search engine, and the same searches were run on both Ovid and PubMed directly. Findings indicate that it is preferable to search MEDLINE directly rather than using EndNote. The publishers of EndNote do warn its users about the limitations of their product as a search engine when searching external databases. In this article, the limitations of EndNote as a search engine for searching MEDLINE were explored as related to MeSH, non-MeSH, citation verification, and author searching.     

Cataloging Vacancies in Academic Libraries

This article repons the results of a study of re-opened, extended or "second" searches for professional cataloging positions in academic libraries. Procedures used in searches, analysis of applicants, and reasons why the initial searches were unsuccessful are given.     

MEDLARS operating experience: addendum

This brief note supplements the article which appeared in the BULLETIN in the January 1966 issue (vol. 54, p. 1-10). Data for six additional months of operation are given, representing 192 additional searches. Original personnel costs are confirmed; machine costs are considerably lower than during the earlier period. It is estimated that, under the conditions indicated, the cost of a search per year searched is about $66.00.     

Dynamic Pathfinders

Abstract

Library pathfinders are a time-tested method of leading library users to important resources. However, paper-based pathfinders suffer from space limitations, and both paper-based and Web-based pathfinders require frequent updates to keep up with new library acquisitions. This article details a step-by-step method to create an online dynamic pathfinder with a clean, intuitive interface that performs predetermined searches in online library catalogs. This tool leads users to resources much as a traditional pathfinder does, but it is always up-to-date, requires almost no maintenance, and familiarizes patrons with the library's catalog as they use it. This article requires a basic knowledge of HTML. PHP and JavaScript are also used. While knowledge of these languages is helpful, these parts of the dynamic pathfinder are described in enough detail that no prior knowledge is required.     

A formal mentoring program in a University Library: components of a successful experiment

The LSU Libraries adopted a mentoring program in 1998 to help tenure-track librarians successfully meet tenure requirements. The program was evaluated after the first year and the faculty determined that it was successful; it was implemented on a permanent basis. The program was developed using six basic components. Details are outlined in the article.     

Introducing NurseSearch into an academic setting.

NurseSearch is a floppy-disk, abridged version of the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), covering about sixty journals. The program is a menu-driven software package designed to allow end users with no prior searching experience to perform their own searches. It is available in annual editions from 1985 to the present. This paper describes the introduction of NurseSearch within the Libraries at Kent State University and its School of Nursing. Reactions of new users to selected program operations are identified. Conclusions from a trial period are set forth.     

Outreach: the western New York Hospital Library Services Program, 1985-1989

The Hospital Library Services Program (HLSP) in western New York, during the period covered by its first five-year plan, 1984-1989, is recounted and described. This ongoing program is funded annually by a New York State grant and hospital participation fees. It is designed to support access to biomedical information for health care professionals through a grant program for hospitals with staffed libraries and a circuit program for hospitals without library staffing or without libraries. Hospitals participating in the grant program contribute funds and receive grants for collection development. Hospitals participating in the circuit program pay a participation fee and receive regularly scheduled, documented, circuit librarian visits; a collection development grant; and a grant for contract library services. The program contracts with the State University of New York at Buffalo's (UB) Health Sciences Library to provide computerized literature searches; interlibrary loan (ILL) of journal articles, books, and audiovisuals; and ILL referrals.     

Taming Mobile Applications

It has been predicted that by 2016, 9 out of 10 college students will own a smartphone. In order to connect with students where they are most likely beginning their information searches, it is increasingly important for libraries to make their collections discoverable via a mobile platform and to create an effective mobile search environment for library resources. This program highlighted some of the mobile applications available for and in use by libraries, focusing on Murray State University’s implementations of two particular applications, BrowZine and Boopsie. The presentation addressed the institutional needs that led Murray State to the acquisition of these services, the ins and outs of the implementation, challenges involved in the set-up, marketing, and user education, and how the applications were received and used once they were set up.     

Turning Online Time into "Quality Time"

This article discusses some of the lesser known complexities of LEXlS and WESTLAW and the necessity for evaluating these systems critically. Sample searches highlight the major differences between WESTLAW'S and LEXIS's search protocols. Comparable features of each system are examined to show how users can improve the qualily of their search results and to warn of unintended consequences when users misapply them. Strategies for formulating searches that retrieve relevant cases and prevent the exclusion of potentially relevant cases are considered, along with the economics of online searching. Although the searches presented are limited to Ohio case law, they are adaptable for exploring the nuances of online searching in other state and federal jurisdictions.