Library service delivery via hand‐held computers—the right information at the point of care

Abstract

Today's health and medical librarians are well aware of the move towards evidence‐based clinical practice which has emerged during the past decade. Hand‐in‐hand with this trend is the need for health practitioners to have access to the best possible evidence to help them in their clinical decision making. Libraries have a key role in the provision of information to their clients, and this means keeping abreast, not only of the various information sources available, but also the means by which those sources may be used. This paper will examine the effects that the hand‐held computer is having on the work practices of our clients—library users. It is hoped that the paper will give an insight into the various types of library material which are suitable for use with hand‐held devices, and an understanding of their advantages and limitations.