Building a miniMEDLINE database: which journals to choose?

Scott Memorial Library (SML) at Thomas Jefferson University has installed the Library Information System (LIS) developed by Georgetown University Medical Center Library. One component of the system is miniMEDLINE, a system for searching an inhouse database derived from NLM MEDLINE tapes. This paper describes the process involved in determining which journals should be included in SML's miniMEDLINE file; the number of titles and years covered; the balance between research and clinical titles; the representation of allied health fields; and the level of faculty involvement.