Changes in information behavior in clinical teams after introduction of a clinical librarian service

Abstract Objectives The 18-month evaluation of a clinical librarian project (October 2003-March 2005) conducted in North Wales, United Kingdom (UK) assessed the benefits of clinical librarian support to clinical teams, the impact of mediated searching services, and the effectiveness of information skills training, including journal club support. Methods The evaluation assessed changes in teams’ information seeking behavior and their willingness to delegate searching to a clinical librarian. Baseline (n=69 responses, 73% response rate) and final questionnaire (n=57, 77% response rate) surveys were complemented by telephone and face-to-face interviews (n=33) among three sites served. Those attending information skills training sessions (n=130) completed evaluations at the session and were surveyed one month after training (n=24 questionnaire responses, n=12 interviews). Results Health professionals in clinical teams reported that they were more willing to undertake their own searching, but also more willing to delegate some literature searching than at the start of the project. The extent of change depended on the team and the type of information required. Information skills training was particularly effective when organized around journal clubs. Conclusions Clinical librarian services increased clinician willingness to seek information. Clinical librarians should leverage the structured training opportunities in journal clubs.