Direct “Doc” Delivery:

Loansome Doc Madelyn Hall, M.Ed., MLS Vancouver, WA

Loansome Doc History: 1991 first introduced by the National Library Of Medicine 1991 first introduced by the National Library Of Medicine 1998 added to PubMed on the Web 1998 added to PubMed on the Web

Purpose:Purpose: Facilitate end-users of NLM databases to electronically order documents from their desktop. Facilitate end-users of NLM databases to electronically order documents from their desktop. Loansome Doc acts as an intermediary between users and the affiliated library. Loansome Doc acts as an intermediary between users and the affiliated library.

Initial Users First developed to provide access to the medical literature for rural and/or unaffiliated healthcare professionals. First developed to provide access to the medical literature for rural and/or unaffiliated healthcare professionals. Available to anyone receiving permission to use from a Loansome Doc library. Available to anyone receiving permission to use from a Loansome Doc library.

How does one get connected to Loansome Doc? 1. Hear about Loansome Doc from colleagues, an orientation, on PubMed, etc. 2. Contact a regional National Network of Libraries of Medicine (e.g., Seattle) OR 3. Directly contact a participating medical library.

Levels of Service Each library sets own restrictions on Loansome Doc services provided. Examples: Affiliated and/or unaffiliated patrons ? Charges ? Fill from within the collection? Method of delivery?

Once permission is granted, the patron sets up her/his own user name and password, registering on PubMed. Once permission is granted, the patron sets up her/his own user name and password, registering on PubMed.

Patron then searches PubMed. Patron then searches PubMed. Finds relevant article(s). Finds relevant article(s). Clicks on article(s). Clicks on article(s). Fills in necessary fields. Fills in necessary fields. Sends request electronically. Sends request electronically. Request is received by Loansome Doc library where patron registered. Request is received by Loansome Doc library where patron registered.

Library Role Library staff acts upon request received: a. Filling from within collection OR b. Routing on using DOCLINE and the created cell structure. b. Routing on using DOCLINE and the created cell structure.

StatusStatus Once a Loansome Doc request is successfully placed, LD patrons receive an immediate status report. Once a Loansome Doc request is successfully placed, LD patrons receive an immediate status report.

Fears of Hospital Librarians Many hospital librarians work in a solo environment. Some of the concerns about Loansome Doc usage are: a. Increase in a growing, overwhelming workload during a time of shrinking resources (staff, $$, time). b. Loss of personal contact with patrons.

Time Saver or Not? Loansome Doc provides ILL staff a verified, legible, electronic request. Loansome Doc provides ILL staff a verified, legible, electronic request. Reduces the number of requests needing verification. Reduces the number of requests needing verification. Reduces the number of incomplete, incorrect, and/or scribbled citations. Reduces the number of incomplete, incorrect, and/or scribbled citations. Saves patron time by being able to order directly online during a search. Saves patron time by being able to order directly online during a search.

CostsCosts Loansome Doc is free from the National Library of Medicine HOWEVER: Costs to individual libraries can be a factor. New patrons use the system a lot! If you have to request articles from another library, there may be costs involved.

Become a participating FREESHARE library Become a participating FREESHARE library ( ( Have reciprocal agreements with other libraries Have reciprocal agreements with other libraries Use DOCLINE ( from the National Library of Medicine, and carefully structure your cell matrix Use DOCLINE ( from the National Library of Medicine, and carefully structure your cell matrix Charge patrons (affiliated or unaffiliated) Charge patrons (affiliated or unaffiliated) Defraying Costs

ValueValue “I think Loansome Doc is the single most important service offered by the NLM…It comes very close to my paradigm for data access, which should be to have the entire National Library of Medicine…available in my home.” “I think Loansome Doc is the single most important service offered by the NLM…It comes very close to my paradigm for data access, which should be to have the entire National Library of Medicine…available in my home.” Christopher D. Smith, M.D. (O’Keefe)

Now Get Started! Loansome Doc Fact Sheet: Loansome Doc First Steps: Using Loansome Doc Introduction: