title: An experimental cancer information service using AIM-TWX.
abstract: The Pacific Northwest Regional Health Sciences Library and the Washington/Alaska Regional Medical Program jointly conducted a service to provide photocopies of articles on cancer topics within twenty-four hours after receiving telephone requests for information from Central Washington physicians. AIM-TWX was utilized as the initial source of references whenever possible, and its benefit as such was evaluated. In the three-month experimental period, twenty-seven requesters made fifty-six requests and received photocopies of 185 articles; the estimated total cost was $1,000, less than $18 per request.A sample of requests showed AIM-TWX to have reduced the total work time per search; moreover, when it was used, AIM-TWX retrieved more than 70% of the articles selected to be sent. Physician response indicated that the service was both needed and appreciated. Further investigation by a similar information service is suggested.
mesh_terms: D000043:Abstracting and Indexing; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003201:Computers; D003308:Copying Processes; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D006801:Humans; D007255:Information Services; D007256:Information Systems; D007993:Libraries, Medical; D009317:National Library of Medicine (U.S.); D009369:Neoplasms; D009862:Online Systems; D012041:Regional Medical Programs; D013358:Subject Headings; D013689:Telephone; D013997:Time Factors; D014481:United States; D014861:Washington