Use of general (tertiary) reference sources in a university hospital-based drug information service

This study was performed to determine the types of requests received and clientele served by a university hospital-based drug information service. A further objective was to determine which general (tertiary) reference sources best meet the needs of the service. The results revealed several trends in utilization of the service. The study also indicated that a relatively small number of general (tertiary) reference sources were useful in answering a large percentage of requests. The information obtained has allowed more efficient utilization of funds for purchase of reference sources. It also proved useful in the development of guidelines for training of individuals in handling requests for drug information.