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NERMLS: The first year
Bulletin of the Medical Library Association
|October 1, 1969
Summary
The New England Regional Medical Library Service (NERMLS) successfully filled 84% of over 27,000 requests in its first year, improving medical information access for community hospitals. NERMLS focused on document delivery, reference work, and developing a core medical collection for hospitals.
Area of Science:
- Medical Librarianship
- Information Science
- Health Sciences Education
Background:
- The Countway Library established the first Regional Medical Library in Boston in 1967.
- The New England Regional Medical Library Service (NERMLS) emerged from existing Harvard and Boston Medical Library services.
- NERMLS aimed to expand medical library services regionally.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report on the initial activities and challenges of the NERMLS during its first year.
- To outline future proposals for regional medical library services.
- To emphasize the role of community hospitals in continuing medical education and the need for library support.
Main Methods:
- Document delivery services were provided, with challenges and solutions documented.
- Reference work was conducted, and a Serials List was distributed.
- Collaboration with the Postgraduate Medical Institute led to the creation of a core medical collection for hospitals.
Main Results:
- NERMLS received over 27,000 requests in its first year, successfully fulfilling 84% of them.
- Initial services included document delivery, reference assistance, and serials list distribution.
- A physician-selected core medical collection was compiled to set standards for community hospital libraries.
Conclusions:
- The first year demonstrated the viability and demand for regional medical library services.
- Future plans emphasize consultation, education, regional reference, and enhanced document delivery.
- Strengthening community hospital libraries is crucial for continuing medical education and regional healthcare.