The Southeast Florida AIDS Information Network: a community outreach, specialized information system

In the years ahead, end-user instruction will expand from the current models of curriculum- and institution-based programs for teaching MEDLINE to include outreach programs to unaffiliated users for teaching specialized database searching. The Southeast Florida AIDS Information Network (SEFAIN), a community-based information system targeting health care providers in a tri-county area, is an example of this new model. The components of SEFAIN and the results of the outreach and educational programs are presented. The advantages of these programs to both providers and librarians are highlighted. Comparisons are drawn between end users who take specialized information courses and those who take MEDLINE courses or no courses. These data will assist librarians in the justification and development of specialized information systems.