955
Views
0
CrossRef citations to date
0
Altmetric
Articles

Into the Future: Three Keys to Success for Medical Libraries

, , &
Pages 348-357 | Received 29 Nov 2010, Accepted 01 Jan 2011, Published online: 07 Nov 2011
 

Abstract

The role of medical librarians is transforming to meet the unique demands of their users who need rapid access to a constantly evolving body of information. Competence in Web 2.0 and other contemporary information and communication technologies is critically important. Search engines like Google and Yahoo that are popular among library users are becoming overloaded and therefore less effective tools. Also, library users tend to overestimate their search skills. Medical librarians are directing users back to traditional databases, fielded searches, and paper resources. Three possible roles are proposed to meet the challenges facing medical librarians in view of these developments: (Citation1) blended librarianship involving both traditional librarians' skills and expertise in both contemporary information technology and pedagogy; (Citation2) skills facilitating use of information and communication technology; and (Citation3) building library users' learning behavior through a problem-based learning (PBL) process. Additionally, health care professionals need to keep abreast of the latest research in their respective fields by being trained in research skills that will accompany them throughout their careers. Because of these, medical librarians, who are ideally placed to design instructional tools that can support these processes, have an essential role to play in the health care system.

Log in via your institution

Log in to Taylor & Francis Online

PDF download + Online access

  • 48 hours access to article PDF & online version
  • Article PDF can be downloaded
  • Article PDF can be printed
USD 53.00 Add to cart

Issue Purchase

  • 30 days online access to complete issue
  • Article PDFs can be downloaded
  • Article PDFs can be printed
USD 127.00 Add to cart

* Local tax will be added as applicable

Related Research

People also read lists articles that other readers of this article have read.

Recommended articles lists articles that we recommend and is powered by our AI driven recommendation engine.

Cited by lists all citing articles based on Crossref citations.
Articles with the Crossref icon will open in a new tab.