Training staff and end-users for automated retrieval systems in the health sciences

Abstract

Training in the use of computer based retrieval systems fails to meet many of the needs of staff and end-user searchers in health sciences information. Structured training programmes present several advantages, including their potential utility in quality ,assurance initiatives, but are rarely implemented. A design process based on Needs – Objectives – Content – Method should be followed in devising training. Though a degree of consensus exists on programme content, far too little attention is paid to evaluation of training or to expressing training objectives in terms of competency outcomes. Much current training is hard to justify without more evidence of its long-term value. Ultimately more productive will be improvements in search software design.

This paper is a substantially extended version of a paper delivered at the Workshop on Human Issues in Library Automation, a satellite event held by the European Association for Health Information and Libraries at the European Conference on Library Automation and Networking, Brussels, 7–11 May, 1990. Workshop papers will not be published.