Scarecrow Press Access to Medical Knowledge: Libraries, Digitization, and the Public Good

Access to Medical Knowledge examines the fundamental values that have characterized the development of medical librarianship since its foundation. The major focus is the development of medical librarianship in the English speaking world, in particular North America, yet includes a number of major issues in international cooperation including the provision of medical information worldwide. Review ...the book should appeal not only to those interested in library history, but any librarian who regularly fields health-related questions.--American Libraries ...well researched....this book should find an audience among all librarians, not just medical librarians....and should interest library science students as well....enjoyable as well as informative.--Journal of the Medical Library Association, Vol. 95, no. 3 (July 2007) Detailed in its research and driven by the author's passion for the profession of medical librarianship, this is a readable and illuminating history of medical librarianship, of interest to all those working in the health sector, as well as to a wider audience of information professionals.--Library Hi Tech, August 2008 Groen examines medical librarianship, tracing its history, and considering changes in the field caused by developments in information technology and telecommunications. She attempts to understand why librarians make certain choices and develop certain services. She draws on her own experiences as a medical librarian and in associations and defines three core values of medical librarians: providing access to the medical literature, empowering and educating library users, and preserving the wisdom of the past. Discussion revolves around access to clinical information and consumer health information in the internet age, challenges to providing access, alternative methods, and communication. The book is meant for medical librarians, professors, and other library and information professionals. Groen has been affiliated with Falk Library of the Health Professions, U. of Pittsburgh, and the medical library at McGill U. in Canada.--Scitech Book News, June 2007 In this book, Groen successfully presents the history and development of medical librarianship in genuinely interesting and informative detail, spanning from the early 1900s to the present day....a valuable resource, and researchers and librarians in the academic world can learn much from it.--College & Research Libraries, May 2007 (vol 68, no 3) This book is a refreshing and inspirational read....highly recommended....--Issues In Science and Technology Librarianship, Summer 2007 About the Author Frances K. Groen is Trenholme Director of Libraries Emeritus at McGill University.