Article type
Year
Abstract
Objectives: The 'non-traditional' format of the Cochrane Library (the CD ROM and Internet versions) may present special problems in terms of using the information contained within it. Medical libraries are a potentially useful place to gain access to the Cochrane Library. However, a 1996 survey of 211 United Kingdom (UK) medical libraries found that although the majority of the librarians had heard of the Cochrane Library, few felt capable of using or demonstrating it, with less than 35% using it more than once per week. Following this survey, a Cochrane Library training programme was developed, and is ongoing. In light of this programme, we re-evaluated knowledge about and use of the Cochrane Library in UK medical libraries.
Methods: 853 medical libraries were identified in the UK, and a survey with 16 questions was developed and mailed in August 1998, with a second mailing to non-responders. The questions assessed: basic demographic information, knowledge about the Cochrane Library, whether training had been received, how often and by whom the Cochrane Library was used and the librarian's level of comfort in using and demonstrating it to others. The results of the survey were tabulated and entered into a computerised database.
Results: The response rate was 63%. When compared to the 1996 survey, use of the Cochrane Library in medical libraries in the UK had increased. 97% of the librarians responding to the present survey .had heard of the Cochrane Library, and 80% had a copy, with 80% of these using the CD-ROM version. Sixty percent advertised the Cochrane Library with a poster or leaflets. All health professionals used the Cochrane Library, although physicians and nurses used it most often (20% and 19% respectively). The general public accessed the Cochrane Library rarely in this setting (0.03%). The Cochrane Library was used less than 10 times per week in most libraries. Only 50% of librarians had received training in the use of the Cochrane Library, yet 70% felt comfortable using it to search for information. However, only 60% felt comfortable demonstrating the Cochrane Library to other people. Of those responders who did not have the Cochrane Library, 28% claimed that it was 'too expensive', and 23% felt that it was 'not relevant'
Discussion: Use of the Cochrane Library in medical libraries in the UK is increasing. Cost and 'relevance' remain factors in deciding whether to purchase the Cochrane Library. Work is still needed to ensure that medical librarians feel comfortable in using and demonstrating the Cochrane Library to others, and to encourage its use in general. The public do not appear to make use of medical libraries to access the Cochrane Library in the UK.
Methods: 853 medical libraries were identified in the UK, and a survey with 16 questions was developed and mailed in August 1998, with a second mailing to non-responders. The questions assessed: basic demographic information, knowledge about the Cochrane Library, whether training had been received, how often and by whom the Cochrane Library was used and the librarian's level of comfort in using and demonstrating it to others. The results of the survey were tabulated and entered into a computerised database.
Results: The response rate was 63%. When compared to the 1996 survey, use of the Cochrane Library in medical libraries in the UK had increased. 97% of the librarians responding to the present survey .had heard of the Cochrane Library, and 80% had a copy, with 80% of these using the CD-ROM version. Sixty percent advertised the Cochrane Library with a poster or leaflets. All health professionals used the Cochrane Library, although physicians and nurses used it most often (20% and 19% respectively). The general public accessed the Cochrane Library rarely in this setting (0.03%). The Cochrane Library was used less than 10 times per week in most libraries. Only 50% of librarians had received training in the use of the Cochrane Library, yet 70% felt comfortable using it to search for information. However, only 60% felt comfortable demonstrating the Cochrane Library to other people. Of those responders who did not have the Cochrane Library, 28% claimed that it was 'too expensive', and 23% felt that it was 'not relevant'
Discussion: Use of the Cochrane Library in medical libraries in the UK is increasing. Cost and 'relevance' remain factors in deciding whether to purchase the Cochrane Library. Work is still needed to ensure that medical librarians feel comfortable in using and demonstrating the Cochrane Library to others, and to encourage its use in general. The public do not appear to make use of medical libraries to access the Cochrane Library in the UK.