Evaluation of a program to teach health professionals to search MEDLINE

This study analyzes the search behavior of end users who had taken a class in searching MEDLINE on the National Library of Medicine's MEDLARS system. Of the class alumni, 58% obtained passwords. Most of these were still conducting their own searches twelve to eighteen months later. Telephone interviews and search observations indicated that these end users were satisfied with their results and felt they had mastered the basic mechanics of searching. However, appropriate use of explodes and subheadings, as well as locating appropriate search terms, still presented difficulties for them. Further training in these areas may be required.     

Evolution of an end-user training program

The University of Illinois at Chicago Library of the Health Sciences has taught end-user classes on the MEDLARS system since early 1985. Registration, class composition, and, most importantly, class organization evolved continuously during the first year of operation. Several feedback mechanisms were used. An examination of the past training and specialization of participants helped to determine teaching examples and pace; a more varied group of participants necessitated a broader range of examples and increased explanations. Participant evaluation forms and oral comments helped define scheduling, agenda, and the need for additional equipment and practice time. Further evaluation will center on the searching done by the program's alumni.     

Notes from the carrot patch: copyright incentives and disincentives for intellectual innovation

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