UCMP and the Internet help hospital libraries share resources

Area of Science:

• Library and Information Science
• Medical Informatics
• Health Sciences Librarianship

Background:

• The Medical Library Center of New York (MLCNY), established in 1959, supports resource sharing and technological innovation.
• MLCNY developed the Union Catalog of Medical Periodicals (UCMP) in 1961, involving over 720 medical libraries.

Purpose of the Study:

• To detail the evolution and current capabilities of the Union Catalog of Medical Periodicals (UCMP).
• To highlight UCMP's role in advancing resource sharing through technological integration.

Main Methods:

• Development and maintenance of a comprehensive serials catalog, initially in print and microfiche.
• Transition to computer technology, including an Oracle-based search system and internet accessibility.
• Ongoing development of a web-based system for future resource sharing.

Main Results:

• UCMP became an early adopter of computer technology for library resource sharing.
• The current system provides issue-specific serial holdings, real-time updates, multi-type searching, and targeted ordering.
• UCMP facilitates efficient and cost-effective resource sharing among medical libraries.

Conclusions:

• UCMP has consistently adapted to new technologies to enhance medical library resource sharing.
• Continued development ensures UCMP remains a vital tool for accessing medical serials.
• The system's evolution demonstrates the long-term benefits of technological investment in library consortia.