Reviews changes in health sciences libraries, including the evolving role of health sciences librarians, education and training of health sciences librarians, rethinking reference services, impact on quality health care, improving the value of information, virtual libraries, National Library of Medicine initiatives, and quality initiatives. (LRW)

Provides an overview of developments in health sciences libraries leading to the virtual library. Highlights include online searching; integrated library systems; networked resources; the expansion of interlibrary loans and document delivery systems; the Integrated Academic Information Management System; and the role of the National Library of…

Describes a survey of knowledge and skills in the health information sciences conducted by the Medical Library Association (MLA) and relates the results to the MLA's educational policy statement. Credentialing for the Academy of Health Information Professionals is described, and ways to acquire medical knowledge and skills are discussed. (Contains…

Discusses the changing role of health sciences librarians in academic medical centers, based on experiences at the Johns Hopkins University (Maryland) medical library. Highlights include library services to meet the information needs of users; management perceptions of libraries; and competitive strategies for libraries, including integration into…

Considers the expanding educational role of health sciences librarians in both academic centers and in hospitals resulting from influences of new educational models and new technology. Topics addressed include undergraduate health sciences education; continuing education; new technology and medical informatics; library educational programs;…

Reviews studies of clinicians' information-seeking behavior and discusses various library programs and services designed to deliver information to clinicians. Topics discussed include LATCH (Literature Attached to the Chart) services; enduser searching; quality filtering and critical appraisal; clinical information systems; and the impact of the…

Discusses progress made in meeting the information needs of health care administrators and the role of the library in providing information for administrative decision making. Highlights include health care economics; a shifting power structure; quality improvement initiatives; standards; communicating the role and value of library services; and…

Discusses the current environment in which health information is disseminated. Topics addressed include health information versus patient education; a model for examining delivery of consumer health information; the role of library professional associations; national libraries; public libraries; hospital libraries; academic health sciences…