The value of Web-based library services at Cedars-Sinai Health System.
Cedars-Sinai Medical Library/Information Center has maintained Web-based services since 1995 on the Cedars-Sinai Health System network. In that time, the librarians have found the provision of Web-based services to be a very worthwhile endeavor. Library users value the services that they access from their desktops because the services save time. They also appreciate being able to access services at their convenience, without restriction by the library's hours of operation. The library values its Web site because it brings increased visibility within the health system, and it enables library staff to expand services when budget restrictions have forced reduced hours of operation. In creating and maintaining the information center Web site, the librarians have learned the following lessons: consider the design carefully; offer what services you can, but weigh the advantages of providing the services against the time required to maintain them; make the content as accessible as possible; promote your Web site; and make friends in other departments, especially information services.
Halub
L P
LP
Cedars-Sinai Health System, Los Angeles, California 90048, USA.
D002140:California; D020407:Internet; D007993:Libraries, Medical / Q000639:trends; D007999:Library Services; D016239:MEDLINE; D009862:Online Systems