Does It Make a Difference?

Abstract

Although database access has been available via search intermediaries for some time, online services are now encouraging end users to search databases directly. In response to this trend, librarians are taking on new end-user training and support roles. But is this training effort worthwhile? The relationship between online training received and the level of implementation of end-user searching is discussed using survey data from 124 Canadian health professionals (response rate 83%). There was a positive relationship between the number of training events reported and implementation level. Several different kinds of training, in addition to formal courses, were reported by end users. The use of Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) was related to more positive perceptions of online searching which, in turn, predicted higher implementation levels. Variability in the implementation levels of the respondents suggests that end users are a diverse group with different information needs and degrees of searching expertise. Various types of both formal and informal training will continue to be required by end users.