Cost-effective ways of delivering enquiry services: a rapid review

Background: In the recent times of recession and budget cuts, it is more important than ever for library and information services to deliver cost‐effective services. Objectives: This rapid review aims to examine the evidence for the most cost‐effective ways of delivering enquiry services. Methods: A literature search was conducted on LISA (Library and Information Sciences Abstracts) and MEDLINE. Searches were limited to 2007 onwards. Results: Eight studies met the inclusion criteria. The studies covered hospital and academic libraries in the USA and Canada. Services analysed were ‘point‐of‐care’ librarian consultations, staffing models for reference desks and virtual/digital reference services. Conclusions: Transferable lessons, relevant to health library and information services generally, can be drawn from this rapid review. These suggest that ‘point‐of‐care’ librarians for primary care practitioners are a cost‐effective way of answering questions. Reference desks can be cost‐effectively staffed by student employees or general reference staff, although librarian referral must be provided for more complex and subject‐specific enquiries. However, it is not possible to draw any conclusions on virtual/digital reference services because of the limited literature available. Further case analysis studies measuring specific services, particularly enquiry services within a health library and information context, are required.     

A Novel Lab Exercise in Ecology

Abstract

Outside With Billy B. Nannerb Productions, Inc., 80 West Bowery Street, Akron, OH 44308; tel. 800–424–5592; fax 216–535–5055. 1994. Color; 30 min. $19.95 plus $3.50 shipping and handling.

Vital Signs 1996: The Trends That Are Shaping Our Future , edited by Linda Starke. New York: W. W. Norton and Company, Ltd. 1996. 169 pages. Paperback, $12.00. ISBN 0–393–31426-X.     

Applying findings from a systematic review of workplace‐based e‐learning: implications for health information professionals

Objectives: To systematically review the UK published literature on e‐learning in the health workplace and to apply the findings to one of the most prolific UK e‐learning initiatives in the health sector—the National Library for Health Facilitated Online Learning Interactive Opportunity (FOLIO) Programme. Methods: Sensitive searches were conducted across assia , Australian Education Index, British Education Index, cinahl , CSA Abstracts, Dissertation Abstracts, Emerald, eric , ibss , Index to Theses, lisa , medline , Psyc Info and Social Science Citation Index. Additional citations were identified from reference lists of included studies and of relevant reviews; citation tracking and contact with experts. Twenty‐nine studies met the inclusion criteria and were coded and analysed using thematic analysis as described by Miles & Huberman (Qualitative Data Analysis: A Sourcebook of New Methods. Newbury Park, CA: Sage, 1984). Results: Five broad themes were identified from the 29 included studies: (i) peer communication; (ii) flexibility; (iii) support; (iv) knowledge validation; and (v) course presentation and design. These broad themes were supported by a total of eleven sub‐themes. Components from the FOLIO Programme were analysed and existing and proposed developments were mapped against each sub‐theme. This provides a valuable framework for ongoing course development. Conclusion: Librarians involved in delivering and supporting e‐learning can benefit from applying the findings from the systematic review to existing programmes, exemplified by the FOLIO Programme. The resultant framework can also be used in developing new e‐learning programmes.     

Mothers' experiences of facilitated peer support groups and individual child health nursing support: a comparative evaluation

The “Early Bird Program” is a support group facilitated by child and family health nurses and offered to families of infants aged 0–8 weeks in South East Sydney, Australia. This paper describes the experiences of 20 women who participated in the Early Bird groups and 20 women who chose to use individual consultations with the child and family health nurse. The qualitative evaluation used focus groups and interviews with the 40 women, and data were analysed using content analysis. Key findings show the Early Bird Program mothers received support and knowledge from both the nurses and each other, while the women who utilised the individual consultations with the nurses sought out and received specific services and information that focused on the baby. The group approach appears to promote group relationships and to empower mothers as a group by de-emphasising the power and expertise of the professional.