Search results

An existing model for calculating online search costs has been converted to electronic form using the spreadsheet package MULTIPLAN. The electronic version of the model proves to be an extremely fast and powerful tool for updating search‐costs matrices for a large number of databases on different host systems. The model itself may be useful for investigating the microeconomics of online information retrieval.

This paper describes a system designed to utilise a general purpose microcomputer for online literature searching in place of a coventional terminal. A program (LIB) was written to enable search profiles, which have previously been stored in disk files on the microcomputer, to be sent to the host computer at the speed of the communication line. In addition, a log of the response from the host is stored in another disk file by LIB. LIB is described together with a ‘typical’ search that was run using both the search program and a conventional terminal. The times taken to run the search by both methods are given. It was found that substantial reductions in connection time can be made, and that using a microcomputer in this way need not restrict the interactive nature of online searching. A final advantage of this approach is that a general purpose microcomputer has many other applications. 7 references.

An account is given of the first year's experience with Prestel in the Welsh National School of Medicine Library. Statistical information is presented for usage of Prestel over a three month period when the service was well established and in frequent demand. This includes details about users and their reasons for consulting Prestel, and an analysis of the costs of operating the service. Conclusions about Prestel's value as a library service are drawn in the light of this, together with a small number of completed questionnaires. It is concluded that although users generally were enthusiastic about Prestel and found it easy to operate, from the librarian's point of view the service has been expensive and the information retrieved has not been of great value.

Pressure to introduce longer opening hours with declining budgets has led to the use of evening and Saturday casual staff at Leicester University. Professional support from fulltime staff has not been possible, but has been a major source of inequality for non‐traditional library users. Professional auxiliaries were introduced as an experiment on Saturdays at Leicester University Education Library. The aim was to provide an information service to users long unfamiliar with library routines and to give support for Saturday non‐professional auxiliaries. The librarians concerned found the experience a stimulating and convenient way to return to professional activities. A key factor of the scheme was attendance for one afternoon a week to work alongside the regular weekday staff. The success of the scheme has led to the introduction of professional auxiliaries to the main University library on Saturdays and weekday evenings.

The following bibliography focuses mainly on programs which can run on IBM microcomputers and compatibles under the operating system PC DOS/MS DOS, and which can be used in online information and documentation work. They fall into the following categories:

The aim of this paper is to describe the development and functions of local and regional networks for professionals working with dual diagnosis in the north of England.

The paper is a descriptive account of local and regional networks in the north of England – their development, their function and future plans.

Local and regional networks are important in helping people share resources and ideas as well as gaining mutual support in what can be very stressful roles. However, there is a danger in a climate of financial constraints that network activities may be lost.

This paper focuses on the importance of collegiate networks of professionals and service user representatives and offers a perspective from the north of England.

The purpose of this paper is to set out developments in the world of e‐learning using examples of new technologies being developed and used in the UK.

Provides a viewpoint on the developments in the world of e‐learning.

The paper sets out how e‐learning is becoming more widely used and more versatile as technology changes. It highlights the barriers that can get in the way of people engaging with online learning and shows how to avoid these issues. It sets out the advantages to businesses and learners and gives examples of applications for different learning needs. The development and use of haptics is explored as an example of cutting edge practice.

The paper provides a wake‐up call for any professionals who are not engaging with the most recent technological innovations. E‐learning is here to stay and is advancing rapidly – organizations need to stay abreast of developments if they are to compete effectively in the global marketplace.

The value of this article is to show learning and development professionals some of the benefits of using e‐learning approaches – flexibility, cost effectiveness, time efficiency and adaptability to learner preferences.

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the learning from the multi-agency evaluation of the Leeds Dual Diagnosis Care co-ordination protocol undertaken by the Leeds Dual Diagnosis (DD) Project in 2013. The evaluation aimed to identify the prevalence of people with DD accessing network member services, and to identify the standard of care network members provided for people with DD in relation to the Leeds Care Co-ordination Protocol.

The evaluation adopted a service evaluation methodology and included features of real world research. Two standardised self-completion questionnaires were administered using Survey Monkey™ software.

The majority of service could provide prevalence data however the quality of data provided was significantly impacted by the limitations of client management systems. Completion of specific DD training beyond basic awareness was generally low and many participants were confused about the different levels of training available. Standards of care varied, a substantial amount of joint working was taking place via informal pathways which relied on established relationships and trust between practitioners and services. Jointing working was often informal when people were not under the Care Programme Approach.

Due of the methodological choices the evaluation cannot be considered impartial. The prevalence data gathered lacks robustness and does not reflect the number of people who meet clinical threshold for DD as valid screening tools were not used by all services. The standards of care identified only reflect practitioner's personal views and do not provide a definitive answer to the standard of care being delivered. The response rate in relation to standards of care was low with large amounts of missing data negatively impacting the external validity of data gathered.

The completion of this evaluation demonstrates that it is extremely challenging to undertake a multi-agency evaluation with limited resources. It has highlighted key challenges and areas for future development locally in relation to DD. The themes explored are likely to be of interest to commissioners, service managers, DD consultant nurses and anyone involved in the strategic development of DD.

The evaluation has generated information which is of practical significance to local commissioners and Leeds DD Network Members. The knowledge and learning from this evaluation has subsequently been used by the Leeds DD Strategy Group to inform the new action plan for the DD Project, the re-commissioning of substance misuse services and the new mental health framework being developed for Leeds.