Abstract
In a previous study it was found that mental health professionals working within community mental health centers (CMHCs) value published social science research as input into the policy decision-making process, yet frequently experience problems in accessing such literature in a timely and efficient manner. The current study was undertaken in order to determine whether access barriers could be reduced via the use of computer-based literature searching. Both short-term (six week) and long-term (six month)follow-up data revealed substantial use of the search materials for both conceptual and instrumental purposes. Further, the positive experiences reported with regard to the study-specific search were mirrored in a more general assessment of the potential usefulness of such information-retrieval systems in meeting future information needs.
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