• Alison Brettle, Claire Hulme, and Paula Ormandy.
• Salford Centre for Nursing, Midwifery and Collaborative Research, Institute of Health and Social Care Research, University of Salford, Salford, UK. a.brettle@salford.ac.uk
• Health Info Libr J. 2006 Dec 1; 23 (4): 239-47.

ObjectivesTo compare the effectiveness and costs of providing information for patient care via librarian-mediated searches and information-skills training.MethodsA questionnaire survey to library staff and health professionals in the North West. Data was collected on perceptions of services, satisfaction and service usage, allowing a cost analysis to be undertaken. Statistical data was analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (spss).ResultsUsing satisfaction and use of skills as outcome measures, both mediated searches and information skills training are effective. A breakdown of costs per type of training session and literature search is provided. Cost-effectiveness is dependent on whether costs are viewed from a library or trust point of view. Providing information skills training does not reduce the volume of mediated-search requests.ConclusionsNo one method of providing information for health professionals is more effective or cost-effective than another. A decision about which services to provide cannot be made on the basis of effectiveness or costs alone; the views of library staff and the health professionals they serve should also be taken into account. A proactive approach and targeting training towards those who are most likely to benefit may be an appropriate way forward.

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