A comprehensive information service for an academic radiology department

In order to simplify access to the medical radiology literature, a clinical information service was created within an academic radiology department. The program, administered by a clinical medical librarian, provides literature search services and current literature selection for in-house faculty and staff members to answer questions related to patient management, research, publication, and conference preparation. Additional services are provided through selective bibliographies and "current awareness" searches, both updated frequently, and a monthly journal table-of-contents packet in the areas of radiologic diagnosis/nuclear medicine and radiation therapy. The clinical medical librarian also administers a departmental learning resource center and teaching files. Development of a subscription information service for practicing radiologists is discussed.