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MEDLINE services to the developing countries
Bulletin of the Medical Library Association
|January 1, 1976
Summary
Providing MEDLINE services to developing countries faces challenges like limited user interaction and document delivery issues. Despite these hurdles, user satisfaction remains high, with plans to expand geographic reach and improve document supply.
Area of Science:
- Medical Informatics
- Information Science
- Global Health
Background:
- MEDLINE services face unique challenges when deployed to dispersed populations in developing nations.
- Limited direct user interaction complicates system promotion and search strategy development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate user satisfaction with MEDLINE services in developing countries.
- To identify key challenges and propose near-term objectives for service improvement.
Main Methods:
- An evaluation survey was conducted among users of MEDLINE services in developing countries.
- Qualitative and quantitative data were collected on user experience and service delivery.
Main Results:
- The evaluation survey indicated high levels of user satisfaction despite operational difficulties.
- Inadequate document delivery remains a significant concern for users.
- Limited user interaction poses challenges for effective search formulation and service promotion.
Conclusions:
- User satisfaction with MEDLINE services in developing countries is high, underscoring the value of these resources.
- Addressing document delivery deficiencies and enhancing user interaction are critical for future service development.
- Expanding geographic coverage and integrating search with document supply are key near-term goals.