Related Experiment Videos
MEDTUTOR: a microcomputer-based training program for MEDLINE.
M L Perkins1, M L Spann, P C Buchan
1National Library of Medicine, Bethesda, Maryland 20894.
Bulletin of the Medical Library Association
|April 1, 1989
Summary
MEDTUTOR is an interactive training package that teaches effective MEDLINE database searching for health professionals and information specialists. This cost-effective tool allows users to learn and practice MEDLINE commands at their own pace.
Area of Science:
- Medical Informatics
- Information Science
Background:
- Effective use of the MEDLINE database is crucial for medical and health professionals.
- Librarians and information specialists also require proficiency in database searching.
- Existing training methods may be costly or inconvenient.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce MEDTUTOR, an interactive microcomputer-based training package.
- To provide a comprehensive resource for learning MEDLINE commands and search techniques.
- To offer a flexible and accessible learning solution for diverse user groups.
Main Methods:
- MEDTUTOR utilizes a menu-driven design for user-friendly navigation.
- The package facilitates learning at the user's own pace with program feedback.
- It covers essential MEDLINE search features like author searching, text word searching, and MeSH indexing.
Main Results:
- Novice users can effectively learn MEDLINE content and usage.
- Skilled searchers can reinforce or recall techniques without incurring online charges.
- MEDTUTOR serves as a cost-effective and accessible training alternative.
Conclusions:
- MEDTUTOR offers an efficient and affordable method for mastering MEDLINE searching.
- The training package supports both initial learning and ongoing skill reinforcement.
- It enhances the ability of professionals and specialists to utilize the MEDLINE database.