Australian Health Review

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Availability and accessibility of evidence-based information resources provided by medical libraries in Australia

Ann Ritchie and Beth Sowter
Aust Health Rev 2000; 23 (1): 77-89
Abstract

This article reports on the results of an exploratory survey of the availability and accessibility of evidence-based information resources provided by medical libraries in Australia. Although barriers impede access to evidence-based information for hospital clinicians, the survey revealed that Medline and Cinahl are available in over 90% of facilities. In most cases they are widely accessible via internal networks and the Internet. The Cochrane Library is available in 69% of cases. The Internet is widely accessible and most libraries provide access to some full-text, electronic journals. Strategies for overcoming restrictions and integrating information resources with clinical workflow are being pursued. State, regional and national public and private consortia are developing agreements utilising on-line technology. These could produce cost savings and more equitable access to a greater range of evidence-based resources.

©Aust Health Rev 2004 www.aushealthreview.com.au ISSN: 0156-5788