MEDLINE: the options for health professionals

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Informatics
• Medical Librarianship
• Information Science

Background:

• MEDLINE is a comprehensive bibliographic database of biomedical literature.
• It is produced by the U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM) and contains millions of records dating back to 1966.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline the different access methods for the MEDLINE database.
• To discuss factors influencing the choice of access method.
• To highlight emerging trends in accessing biomedical information.

Main Methods:

• Categorization of access methods into three main types: remote host access (dial-up/Internet), CD-ROM subscription, and local loading via magnetic tape or CDs.
• Analysis of decision-making factors for selecting an access method, including cost, hardware/software availability, local expertise, and user population size.

Main Results:

• MEDLINE offers diverse access options to suit different user needs and resources.
• Key considerations for choosing an access method include economic, technical, and logistical factors.
• Current trends indicate a shift towards internet-based access and system integration.

Conclusions:

• The choice of MEDLINE access method is contingent upon specific user requirements and available resources.
• Technological advancements are driving more efficient and integrated access to biomedical literature.
• Continued evolution of access methods will enhance the utility of MEDLINE for health professionals and researchers.