Work

The costs and effectiveness of information‐skills training and mediated searching: quantitative results from the EMPIRIC project

Year: 2006

Type: article

Abstract: OBJECTIVES: To compare the effectiveness and costs of providing information for patient care via librarian-mediated searches and information-skills training. METHODS: A questionnaire survey to library staff and health professionals in the North West. Data was collected on perceptions of services, satisfaction and service usage, allowing a cost analysis to be undertaken. Statistical data was analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (spss). RESULTS: Using satisfaction and use of skills as outcome measures, both mediated searches and information skills training are effective. A breakdown of costs per type of training session and literature search is provided. Cost-effectiveness is dependent on whether costs are viewed from a library or trust point of view. Providing information skills training does not reduce the volume of mediated-search requests. CONCLUSIONS: No one method of providing information for health professionals is more effective or cost-effective than another. A decision about which services to provide cannot be made on the basis of effectiveness or costs alone; the views of library staff and the health professionals they serve should also be taken into account. A proactive approach and targeting training towards those who are most likely to benefit may be an appropriate way forward.

Source: Health Information & Libraries Journal

DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-1842.2006.00670.x

Authors: Alison Brettle, Claire Hulme, Paula Ormandy

Institution: University of Salford

Language: English

Topic: Library Science and Information Literacy

Subfield: Library and Information Sciences

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Quality education, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: bronze

Funder: University of Salford Manchester