Data For: Exploring Clinician Expectations and Preferences of Library Subject Guides

<h3>Project Overview</h3>
<p>Subject guides are widely used in academic libraries to share information and resources with patrons. Over the years, they have evolved into extensive online tools that serve as starting points for research, but developing and maintaining subject guides that are both useful and relevant to users requires considerable time and effort from librarians. Ongoing reflection and examination of this process are therefore critical.</p>
<p>Prior literature has often focused on student and faculty use of subject guides; however, many health sciences libraries also serve clinical users who may have different needs. This qualitative study focuses exclusively on clinical users and examines the extent to which they engage with library subject guides, their expectations and preferences regarding these resources, and their perspectives on the guides’ potential role in supporting clinical work.</p>
<p>Findings indicate that most participants were unaware of the existence of these guides. However, they expressed some preference for those that are quick and easy to use, offering independent learning materials, access to resources, and clear guidance on which resources may be best to use in different situations. Barriers to guide usage in clinical settings include time, awareness, design issues, and cognitive load issues.</p>
<p>This research was developed through the training and support provided by the MLA Research Training Institute (RTI) and made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program (RE-246568-OLS-20).</p>