Citation

Drake PB. Journal of access services 2010; 7(4): 244-261.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2010)

DOI

10.1080/15367967.2010.513879

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

While the National Library of Medicine created the National Network of Libraries of Medicine (NN/LM) as a network to provide medical and health information, historically few nonmedical academic libraries have participated. University medical libraries and hospital libraries have been the major focus of the Network. Recently, the NNLM has intensified outreach to public libraries and community health agencies across the country and is investigating international cooperation, but nonmedical academic libraries in higher education institutions do not seem to be mentioned as much as these other types of health information providers. As a result of this study, the author recommends that the National Network of Libraries of Medicine increase their efforts at recruiting network members among nonmedical academic libraries. This case study evaluates the contributions and benefits of a southwestern Louisiana university nonmedical academic library after its first year of Network membership, especially DOCLINE, the medical interlibrary loan system and prime component of the Network. The lending activity of similar NN/LM nonmedical academic library members was also surveyed to discern possible contribution patterns.

Language: en