Paper Abstract: Remote Access to Electronic Resources


Paper Abstract

Remote Access to Electronic Resources: Impact on Use of the Physical Library and Barriers to Change
Martha Earl
Preston Medical Library, University of Tennessee Medical Center, Knoxville, TN

Purpose: To investigate how remote access to electronic resources impacts use of the traditional library and what barriers exist for remote users in effective utilization of electronic resources; suggest service enhancements to improve use of both physical and electronic resources.

Setting/subjects: Teaching hospital in urban Tennessee with 3000 staff members.

Methodology: Needs assessment survey in electronic formats.

Results: Respondents using MDConsult and other electronic resources increased their use and awareness of the physical library and its services for patient care, research, current awareness, and continuing education. Barriers encountered included difficulty logging onto the network, failure to understand computer guides, lack of time, inability to locate the resource on the web site, lack of knowledge concerning how to search the electronic resources, lack of familiarity with the online titles and resources available, diversity of search capabilities and interface characteristics, and lack of knowledge regarding library services. The majority of respondents accessed the resources from home.

Discussion/conclusion: Remote users of electronic resources desire more support and training from librarians in the use of these tools. By providing more targeted support, librarians increase use of all knowledge-based information tools among health professionals.