Networking an evaluation of clinical literature searches: a preliminary report

Librarians are generally considered to be expert searchers of biomedical databases, and most articles regarding search techniques focus on the integration of library-based information literacy courses into undergraduate and postgraduate curricula. However, articles examining the quality of searches carried out by librarians themselves suggest considerable variability in search styles and retrieval rates. For example, a comparative study by McKibbon, Haynes ... et al (1) examined the quality of Medline searches conducted by physicians, physician trainees and expert searchers (clinicians and librarians). Although some of the librarians taking part in the study were found to have the highest retrieval of relevant citations (62%), the paper also noted large differences in searching style among the librarians taking part. This was reflected in the success rates within this group. This paper reports the results of a project conducted by the reference teams at the University of Otago medical libraries to develop appropriate measurement systems for evaluating the quality of literature searches conducted for library clients. The medical libraries attached to the University of Otago are based in three centres in New Zealand: Dunedin, Christchurch and Wellington. To facilitate collaboration between the reference teams three web-based technologies, two of which are social networking tools, were road-tested to determine their suitability for skills development. Comparisons of the suitability of each of these for enhancing collaboration and communication between library staff are discussed.