Sensitivity and precision of adverse effects search filters in MEDLINE and EMBASE: a case study of fractures with thiazolidinediones

Background: Search filters have been developed in MEDLINE and EMBASE to help overcome the challenges of searching electronic databases for information on adverse effects. However, little evaluation of their effectiveness has been carried out. Objectives: To measure the sensitivity and precision of available adverse effects search filters in MEDLINE and EMBASE. Methods: A case study systematic review of fracture related adverse effects associated with the use of thiazolidinediones was used. Twelve MEDLINE search strategies and three EMBASE search strategies were tested. Results: Nineteen relevant references from MEDLINE and 24 from EMBASE were included in the review. Four search filters in MEDLINE achieved high sensitivity (95 or 100%) with an improved level of precision from searches without any adverse effects filter. High precision in MEDLINE could also be achieved (up to 53%) using search filters that rely on Medical Subject Headings. No search filter in EMBASE achieved high precision (all were under 5%) and the highest sensitivity in EMBASE was 83%. Conclusions: Adverse effects search filters appear to be effective in MEDLINE for achieving either high sensitivity or high precision. Search filters in EMBASE, however, do not appear as effective, particularly in improving precision.     

From Magicians to Teachers

Summary

Electronic reference is a large part of today's library. Computer technology has clearly been the dominant catalyst for change in library service over the last few decades. Reference service has changed along with the prevailing technology. An exclusive group of searchers serviced electronic information requests during the online searching craze of the 1970s and 1980s. In the library of today, this model of electronic reference is no longer operational. Electronic information is now available to anyone on a computer terminal. In response, all librarians have become familiar with computer technology, and have a new emphasis on teaching and basic information literacy. This article will examine how this came to be, and the technologies that helped make it happen.     

Student Responses to Using a Computerized Database

Summary

An overwhelming majority (94%) of surveyed students rely on assistance from librarians (80%), professors (9%), and friends (5%) when using ERIC-on-CDROM, even when they are not first-time users. Almost three-quarters of the students report that ERIC-on-CDROM improves research quality (74%) and learning (70%) and evokes feelings of motivation and accomplishment (72%). All students indicate that they will return to use ERIC-on-CDROM but only 39% feel capable of transferring their skills to similar databases. Responses indicate that ERIC-on-CDROM contributes to highly individualized learning situations in which students successfully find information through assistance from both humans and computers.     

French Fiction:

The cataloging of music sound recordings is both challenging and interesting. As the technologies used to produce sound recordings change, these changes must be reflected in both cataloging theory and practice. Three formats: analog disc, cassette tape, and compact disk, all of which are readily available on the market, present special challenges to catalogers who must consider what might be the most effective way of handling these materials following the AACR2 cataloging rules and interpretations from Library of Congress. This paper examines the actual cataloging of those formats as done by several institutions and raises questions such as how to handle these materials in ways which will eliminate redundancy and increase efficiency in the practice of cataloging. Finally, an alternative approach, drawing on AACR2 practice in other areas, is suggested.     

PART V: ALTERNATIVES TO CURRENT ACCESS MODELS IN RESEARCH LIBRARIES

Abstract

With the transformation of the card catalog into the online public access catalog came the expectation of its increased functionality. For the most part, today's online catalogs perform an expanded list of tasks quite effectively. Bibliographic utilities, system vendors, and individual libraries continue to improve bibliographic retrieval by providing new and better services through the catalog. In spite of these improvements, many observers believe that online catalogs have reached their maturity. Today's information environment includes a wealth of material to which online catalogs cannot provide universal and up-to-date access. Increasingly, librarians are turning to federated searching portal applications to find a means of managing the flood of digital information that threatens to engulf users. This chapter describes essential functionality of such tools, suggesting directions and strategies for improving them. The author concludes that, while the online catalog will continue to function as the principal tool for access control of the library's physical collections, the federated searching portal will ultimately serve as the library's principal Web gateway to digital resources.     

Should We Care If the Case Digest Disappears?: A Retrospective Analysis and the Future of Legal Research Instruction

ABSTRACT

This article begins with a brief history of the West key number digest system. Next, it reviews some of the prominent literature discussing the shift from case digests to full-text searching (including the sole user study on this topic). Then, this article examines how the paradigm shift is reflected in law library collections and current trends in legal research instruction. Finally, the author presents four lessons gleaned from this discussion that may help shape future legal research instruction and proposes a user study to better inform future discussion.     

BRS Colleague MEDLINE End User Training Follow-up Survey

The amount of recent literature describing end user training programs is substantial, yet there are few reports evaluating the effectiveness of such training. This article reports on a follow-up survey of the first seventy-five trainees of a four-hour BRS Colleague MEDLINE training program at the Health Sciences Library of East Carolina University. The 90.7 percent response rate to the questionnaire provided information about both those who performed searches and those who had not. It indicated how trainees felt about their training, their ability to perform searches or reason for not performing searches, and types of additional training the trainees desired. Survey results are discussed in terms of effectiveness of the training for the end user with infrequent search needs, possible modifications to improve the effectiveness of the training, and possible alternatives to BRS Colleague MEDLINE.     

Health Sciences Librarians' Research on Medical Students' Use of Information for Their Studies at The Medical School,University of Queensland,Australia

This study reports the findings of research undertaken by health sciences librarians at the University of Queensland Library into how medical students use information for their studies, particularly resources and services provided by the Library. The methods utilized were an online survey and focus groups. Results indicated that students favor print resources over electronic, value accessing resources on a one-stop basis, and prefer training to be delivered flexibly. The implication of these results for future resource selection, service provision, and instructional design and delivery is discussed.     

Wired New Jersey: Q and A NJ

SUMMARY

Q and A NJ is New Jersey's virtual reference service. Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and free to all New Jersey residents, the service provides online reference assistance in real time from librarians across the state. New Jersey was the first state in the country to offer such service. This article looks at the history of the service, what it's like to be a virtual librarian, and presents a brief survey of the librarians participating in Q and A NJ.