Training the end user: The stanford university medical center experience

The Lane Medical Library staff, working with a physician at Stanford University Medical Center, has developed a successful end user MEDLINE training program. 80th DIALOG and the National Library of Medicine’s (NLM) MEDLARS system are taught. Upon completion of the NLM course, students are eligible to receive academic credit and an NLM password. Several factors are identified as having been crucial to this success: (1) a strong working alliance between library staff and an enthusiastic physician, (2) early and ongoing support from influential leaders in the medical center, (3) minimization of barriers confronting potential end user searchers, and (4) strong emphasis on demonstration and hands-on practice. Costs and personnel support to achieve and maintain the program are discussed, and future plans outlined. © 1986 by The Haworth Press, Inc. All rights reserved.

Journal Abbreviation: End User Search. in the Health Sciences