Brief communications
provement is satisfactory remains to be demonstrated. In any case, the real proof is not in the test results, but in how physician performance improves over six months to a year as evaluated by TMF. This evaluation is ongoing. According to Messerle, "Tying the work of the library to CE and lifelong learning could strengthen the library's relationship to the institutional mission of the parent organization" [6]. The Minifellowship program offers support for that assertion, as it has established the TTUHSC library as an active partner in CE.
REFERENCES 1. MESSERLE J. The changing continuing education role of health sciences libraries. Bull Med Libr Assoc 1990 Apr; 78(2):180-7. 2. SMITH JM. Statement to the Texas Medical Association House of Delegates, November 1987. 3. CAIN CR. Letter to Dr. Deluca, National Board of Medical Examiners, 8 June 1987. 4. KNOWLES MS. Using learning contracts. San Francisco: Jossey Bass, 1986. 5. MANNING PR, CLINTWORTH WA, SINOPOLI LM, TAYLOR JP ET AL. A method of self-directed learning in continuing medical education with implications for recertification. Ann Intern Med 1987 Dec;107(6):909-13. 6. MESSERLE, op. cit., 186.
Received February 1991; accepted February 1992
Dial-in access to CD-ROM databases: beyond the local area network By Patricia W. Onsi, M.S.L.S. Technical Services and Systems James A. Capodagli, M.L.S. Reference and Computer Search Services Diane K. Hawkins, M.L.S. Reference and Computer Search Services
Health Science Center Library at Syracuse State University of New York 766 Irving Avenue Syracuse, New York 13210
work (LAN) was implemented in 1989, beginning with three MEDLINE workstations and later expanding to the current seven. During this same time, an online catalog became available and a campus network was developing. Users, naturally, expected that remote access to MEDLINE would follow. Until recently, large in-house databases were stored on magnetic tapes loaded on a mainframe computer, a system that entailed high costs, huge space requirements, and complex interfaces. A better system was needed to combine the storage and searching advantages of CD-ROM with the access capabilities of a mainframe computer. Most CD-ROMs use the MSDOS operating system and are not readily compatible with the VAX network environment on the HSC campus. Remote CD-ROM searching has been described in the literature; however, some of those systems require specialized communications software, and others provide very limited access [2-5]. THE VAX MS-DOS LINK
The HSC Library has implemented a dial-in access system, using generally available communications software, capable of supporting a large user population. The system is called the Compact Disk Library Information Network (CDLink). The key component is an MS-DOS server from Logicraft that handles the communications link between the campus VAX terminals and the compact disks. The system capacity is sixteen concurrent sessions using terminals, or microcomputers emulating terminals, running MS-DOS applications in tape, disk, or CD-ROM formats. With the present configuration, nine of the sixteen can proceed simultaneously without noticeable degradation. A planned menu requiring less memory should allow full implementation. The CDLink configuration includes two CD-ROM units with four drives each, linked to the MS-DOS server located in the computer services department. In the library, the reference area is equipped with eight workstations for accessing the VAX. Six are hardwired terminals, and two are microcomputers to accommodate downloading and file transfer to and from the VAX. Terminal servers are being placed in every campus building to provide network access to more users. A fiber-optic ethernet backbone supports all telecommunications activities, 9,600-baud on campus and 1,200/2,400-baud off campus. The network configuration is shown in Figure 1.
INTRODUCTION IMPLEMENTATION AND TESTING CD-ROM databases have revolutionized access to biomedical literature. The Health Science Center (HSC) Library at the State University of New York at Syracuse first offered MEDLINE on CD-ROM on a single workstation in November 1986 [1]. A local area net376
Several issues had to be resolved before the system could be offered to the entire user community. Keyboard mapping was a primary concern because MSDOS applications rely heavily on the use of function Bull Med Libr Assoc 80(4) October 1992
,
Brief communications
Figure 1 CDUnk network configuration Dial - In Ter s ()PC
Library VT320 Terminals (8)
\
Modem
Mac
=1
VA]i 6310
01
t Swtch
) Taminal
Lw.ver
'W.
Backbone Ethernet , , . ,.- t , s [,.,,,.,, ,,.
'Icraft I 386W I
Terminal
PC
I
7. ..........................
MEDLINE
.1992 MEDLINE
9919 MEDLINE.
199 MEDLINE =..........
keys. The MS-DOS server is designed to provide access from standard terminals, and equivalent keys had to be provided for dial-in users of PC and Macintosh computers. Logicraft software includes a flexible keyboard mapping utility for use with any communications program, so the necessary keys could be mapped for campus-supported programs. The second issue was local printing capability, a high priority for MEDLINE users. Five of the eight terminals in the library have printers attached. The library and computer services departments offer the option of remote printing, either for large print jobs or for individuals who lack printers. Users are offered three choices for printer designation: local (individual), library queue, and computer services queue. A third issue was menu design. At the VAX or initial level, menu selections identify the user's communications software and printer designation so appropriate keyboard mapping and printing can be established. At the MS-DOS or secondary level, an interface is provided for database selection, file maintenance, and other functions. An important menu Bull Med Libr Assoc 80(4) October 1992
.MEDUNE 1988
MEDLINE
Hitachi 3600 CDROM Drives
1987 HEALTH 1
1-
CINAHL 193-.
choice was added to "clear lost clusters," or delete hidden temporary files. These files consume user space and eventually would prevent the program from functioning properly. Another issue was downloading to a local disk drive, a popular function with LAN users of MEDLINE. When a CDLink user chooses this option, documents are downloaded automatically to the user's directory on the VAX. (This occurs because the A and C drives are located on the MS-DOS server.) From there, the file can be imported to a local disk drive using file transfer protocols. Alternatively, a user can open a log-in file at any point, using functions in the communications program. All of these issues, as well as the question of overall performance, required that testing be conducted in a realistic setting. A group of twenty-five users, which quickly doubled to fifty, was invited to participate in a one-month trial. This group provided feedback on the reliability of keyboard mapping, telephone connections, unsupported communications programs, and data capture and file transfer functions. System per377
Brief communications
Table 1 Databases available
Monthly Monthly
Jul 1990 Oct 1990 Nov 1990 Oct 1990
MEDLINE
CINAHL HEALTH AMA-FREIDA
File size
Years
Updated
When mounted
Database
1,500,000 cit. 100,000 cit. 350,000 cit.
5 yrs + curr.
19831981Curr. yr.
Quarterly Yearly
sociation's Fellowship and Residency Electronic Interactive Database Access) (Table 1). Three databases are on compact disk; AMA-FREIDA is stored on the MS-DOS server hard drive. The system automatically records each user's entrance into CDLink, the duration of the session, and the selection of databases. A monthly report is generated by a database manager on the VAX. When a user logs on to CDLink, one search session is recorded, regardless of how many searches are performed or how many times the user presses the carriage return. As of November 30, 1991, the pattern of search sessions over a sixteen-month period shows fairly consistent use of the service (Figure 2). The total number of sessions conducted on CDLink was 10,495. The average duration of a session was twenty-two minutes, and the average number of searches per month was 656.
formance and response times did not vary noticeably among users, possibly due to a small number of simultaneous users. The library initially handled numerous calls for troubleshooting assistance, but the number dropped considerably by the time CDLink was released for general use. The trial also identified the need for an instructional guide, which later was designed by the reference staff. The four-page document offers step-bystep instructions. Searching skills learned on the LAN could be transferred to CDLink, but users needed help logging in, capturing documents, transferring files, and troubleshooting.
USAGE Four databases are offered: MEDLINE, CINAHL, HEALTH, and AMA-FREIDA (American Medical AsFigure 2 Search sessions per month
Search Sessions Per Month 1000
800
Sessions
-
600
400
-
200
-
0
Aug9DSep900ct90Nov90
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jm
Jul Aug 91 Sep 91 Oct 91 Nov 91
Month 378
Bull Med Libr Assoc 80(4) October 1992
Brief communications
IMPACT ON LIBRARY STAFF
Researching, implementing, and supporting CDLink has placed extra demands on the library staff. The added tasks include loading monthly database updates and frequent software upgrades; handling users' problems with communications programs, locked keyboards, search strategies, and file transfers; preparing and updating self-help guides, flyers, newsletters, and electronic bulletins; registering and assisting new users with passwords, log-on, etc.; teaching CDLink to medical and allied health classes; and helping other departments acquire and set up equipment needed to access CDLink. Because most students and many staff members do not have access to computers at other locations, the library has become a center for electronic communications. Services include electronic mail (E-Mail), as well as CDLink and other locally mounted databases for drug information, gene sequences, and epidemiology. The reference staff is the most readily available resource for answers to questions about these services and must strive to anticipate problems, acquire documentation, and assist users. Some applications originate from other departments, so significant effort is required to keep up-to-date on various services. Meanwhile, heavy MEDLINE use on the LAN has continued. Maintaining the seven LAN workstations splits search traffic and provides backup to CDLink but also requires extensive one-on-one instruction. At the same time, user expectations for CDLink and other electronic services are constantly rising. FUTURE PLANS A formal evaluation of CDLink is planned, using questionnaires and interviews with a representative sample of users. Two evolving components of the campus network are expected to increase CDLink usage. First, additional hard-wired terminals will be installed in hospital wards and other potential highuse areas. Second, when the campuswide, fiber-optic backbone is fully implemented, users will experience fewer telecommunications problems and need less specialized software and hardware. The full MEDLINE database back through 1966 will be installed in the fall of 1992, with a third CD-ROM stack to accommodate the additional disks. The central New York regional book catalog, a new CD-ROM application, will be operational in 1992. Member libraries will have dial-in access limited to this catalog. The library staff will continue to review the rapidly expanding marketplace of new CD-ROM products for potential additions to CDLink.
Bull Med Libr Assoc 80(4) October 1992
The library staff has learned a number of valuable lessons from the CDLink experience that may prove useful to others, specifically:
* Cooperation is vital between the library and other departments in the installation, testing, and maintenance of the system. * Communication between the library and its users must be ongoing and offered in a variety of formats. * The library should be an access point for all campus electronic services. * Menus should be designed for consistency and ease of use. * Both hardware and software must be upgraded continually; flexibility and connectivity with the campuswide network should be maintained; and PCs, Macintosh computers, and terminals should be supported. * Demand increases for connectivity and access generated by dial-in systems. SUMMARY
Although it has meant additional work, CDLink has enhanced the productivity and effectiveness of the library's public services program. CDLink enables the library to offer dial-in access to databases, either in CD-ROM or other MS-DOS formats. The VAX MSDOS connection is a cost-effective way to combine the benefits of remote access and multiple simultaneous use. From the user's perspective, CDLink provides free, twenty-four-hour remote access to databases in a friendly, menu-driven environment. For the library staff, the CDLink service represents the achievement of a long-awaited goal.
REFERENCES 1. CAPODAGLi JA, MARDIKIAN J, UVA PA. MEDLINE on compact disk: end-user searching on Compact Cambridge. Bull Med Libr Assoc 1988 Apr;76(2):181-3. 2. KrrrLE P. Putting a medical library online: phase III remote access to CD-ROMS. Laserdisk Prof 1989 May;2(3): 15-8. 3. BLAcxwELDER MB, Wu E, BRODIE K. CD-ROM access via a VAX: one institution's experience. CD-ROM Libr 1990
Nov;5(10):24-9. 4. KELLEY C. Bertrand Library installs Logicraft. CD-ROM
Libr 1990 Nov;5(10):4. 5. Wu E, BRODIE K, BLAcKwELDER MB. PC based CD-ROM access via a VAX-an experiment (at the Medical College of Wisconsin libraries; presented at CIL Conference '90). Libr Software Rev 1991 Jan/Feb;10:38-9.
Received January 1991; accepted January 1992
379
provement is satisfactory remains to be demonstrated. In any case, the real proof is not in the test results, but in how physician performance improves over six months to a year as evaluated by TMF. This evaluation is ongoing. According to Messerle, "Tying the work of the library to CE and lifelong learning could strengthen the library's relationship to the institutional mission of the parent organization" [6]. The Minifellowship program offers support for that assertion, as it has established the TTUHSC library as an active partner in CE.
REFERENCES 1. MESSERLE J. The changing continuing education role of health sciences libraries. Bull Med Libr Assoc 1990 Apr; 78(2):180-7. 2. SMITH JM. Statement to the Texas Medical Association House of Delegates, November 1987. 3. CAIN CR. Letter to Dr. Deluca, National Board of Medical Examiners, 8 June 1987. 4. KNOWLES MS. Using learning contracts. San Francisco: Jossey Bass, 1986. 5. MANNING PR, CLINTWORTH WA, SINOPOLI LM, TAYLOR JP ET AL. A method of self-directed learning in continuing medical education with implications for recertification. Ann Intern Med 1987 Dec;107(6):909-13. 6. MESSERLE, op. cit., 186.
Received February 1991; accepted February 1992
Dial-in access to CD-ROM databases: beyond the local area network By Patricia W. Onsi, M.S.L.S. Technical Services and Systems James A. Capodagli, M.L.S. Reference and Computer Search Services Diane K. Hawkins, M.L.S. Reference and Computer Search Services
Health Science Center Library at Syracuse State University of New York 766 Irving Avenue Syracuse, New York 13210
work (LAN) was implemented in 1989, beginning with three MEDLINE workstations and later expanding to the current seven. During this same time, an online catalog became available and a campus network was developing. Users, naturally, expected that remote access to MEDLINE would follow. Until recently, large in-house databases were stored on magnetic tapes loaded on a mainframe computer, a system that entailed high costs, huge space requirements, and complex interfaces. A better system was needed to combine the storage and searching advantages of CD-ROM with the access capabilities of a mainframe computer. Most CD-ROMs use the MSDOS operating system and are not readily compatible with the VAX network environment on the HSC campus. Remote CD-ROM searching has been described in the literature; however, some of those systems require specialized communications software, and others provide very limited access [2-5]. THE VAX MS-DOS LINK
The HSC Library has implemented a dial-in access system, using generally available communications software, capable of supporting a large user population. The system is called the Compact Disk Library Information Network (CDLink). The key component is an MS-DOS server from Logicraft that handles the communications link between the campus VAX terminals and the compact disks. The system capacity is sixteen concurrent sessions using terminals, or microcomputers emulating terminals, running MS-DOS applications in tape, disk, or CD-ROM formats. With the present configuration, nine of the sixteen can proceed simultaneously without noticeable degradation. A planned menu requiring less memory should allow full implementation. The CDLink configuration includes two CD-ROM units with four drives each, linked to the MS-DOS server located in the computer services department. In the library, the reference area is equipped with eight workstations for accessing the VAX. Six are hardwired terminals, and two are microcomputers to accommodate downloading and file transfer to and from the VAX. Terminal servers are being placed in every campus building to provide network access to more users. A fiber-optic ethernet backbone supports all telecommunications activities, 9,600-baud on campus and 1,200/2,400-baud off campus. The network configuration is shown in Figure 1.
INTRODUCTION IMPLEMENTATION AND TESTING CD-ROM databases have revolutionized access to biomedical literature. The Health Science Center (HSC) Library at the State University of New York at Syracuse first offered MEDLINE on CD-ROM on a single workstation in November 1986 [1]. A local area net376
Several issues had to be resolved before the system could be offered to the entire user community. Keyboard mapping was a primary concern because MSDOS applications rely heavily on the use of function Bull Med Libr Assoc 80(4) October 1992
,
Brief communications
Figure 1 CDUnk network configuration Dial - In Ter s ()PC
Library VT320 Terminals (8)
\
Modem
Mac
=1
VA]i 6310
01
t Swtch
) Taminal
Lw.ver
'W.
Backbone Ethernet , , . ,.- t , s [,.,,,.,, ,,.
'Icraft I 386W I
Terminal
PC
I
7. ..........................
MEDLINE
.1992 MEDLINE
9919 MEDLINE.
199 MEDLINE =..........
keys. The MS-DOS server is designed to provide access from standard terminals, and equivalent keys had to be provided for dial-in users of PC and Macintosh computers. Logicraft software includes a flexible keyboard mapping utility for use with any communications program, so the necessary keys could be mapped for campus-supported programs. The second issue was local printing capability, a high priority for MEDLINE users. Five of the eight terminals in the library have printers attached. The library and computer services departments offer the option of remote printing, either for large print jobs or for individuals who lack printers. Users are offered three choices for printer designation: local (individual), library queue, and computer services queue. A third issue was menu design. At the VAX or initial level, menu selections identify the user's communications software and printer designation so appropriate keyboard mapping and printing can be established. At the MS-DOS or secondary level, an interface is provided for database selection, file maintenance, and other functions. An important menu Bull Med Libr Assoc 80(4) October 1992
.MEDUNE 1988
MEDLINE
Hitachi 3600 CDROM Drives
1987 HEALTH 1
1-
CINAHL 193-.
choice was added to "clear lost clusters," or delete hidden temporary files. These files consume user space and eventually would prevent the program from functioning properly. Another issue was downloading to a local disk drive, a popular function with LAN users of MEDLINE. When a CDLink user chooses this option, documents are downloaded automatically to the user's directory on the VAX. (This occurs because the A and C drives are located on the MS-DOS server.) From there, the file can be imported to a local disk drive using file transfer protocols. Alternatively, a user can open a log-in file at any point, using functions in the communications program. All of these issues, as well as the question of overall performance, required that testing be conducted in a realistic setting. A group of twenty-five users, which quickly doubled to fifty, was invited to participate in a one-month trial. This group provided feedback on the reliability of keyboard mapping, telephone connections, unsupported communications programs, and data capture and file transfer functions. System per377
Brief communications
Table 1 Databases available
Monthly Monthly
Jul 1990 Oct 1990 Nov 1990 Oct 1990
MEDLINE
CINAHL HEALTH AMA-FREIDA
File size
Years
Updated
When mounted
Database
1,500,000 cit. 100,000 cit. 350,000 cit.
5 yrs + curr.
19831981Curr. yr.
Quarterly Yearly
sociation's Fellowship and Residency Electronic Interactive Database Access) (Table 1). Three databases are on compact disk; AMA-FREIDA is stored on the MS-DOS server hard drive. The system automatically records each user's entrance into CDLink, the duration of the session, and the selection of databases. A monthly report is generated by a database manager on the VAX. When a user logs on to CDLink, one search session is recorded, regardless of how many searches are performed or how many times the user presses the carriage return. As of November 30, 1991, the pattern of search sessions over a sixteen-month period shows fairly consistent use of the service (Figure 2). The total number of sessions conducted on CDLink was 10,495. The average duration of a session was twenty-two minutes, and the average number of searches per month was 656.
formance and response times did not vary noticeably among users, possibly due to a small number of simultaneous users. The library initially handled numerous calls for troubleshooting assistance, but the number dropped considerably by the time CDLink was released for general use. The trial also identified the need for an instructional guide, which later was designed by the reference staff. The four-page document offers step-bystep instructions. Searching skills learned on the LAN could be transferred to CDLink, but users needed help logging in, capturing documents, transferring files, and troubleshooting.
USAGE Four databases are offered: MEDLINE, CINAHL, HEALTH, and AMA-FREIDA (American Medical AsFigure 2 Search sessions per month
Search Sessions Per Month 1000
800
Sessions
-
600
400
-
200
-
0
Aug9DSep900ct90Nov90
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jm
Jul Aug 91 Sep 91 Oct 91 Nov 91
Month 378
Bull Med Libr Assoc 80(4) October 1992
Brief communications
IMPACT ON LIBRARY STAFF
Researching, implementing, and supporting CDLink has placed extra demands on the library staff. The added tasks include loading monthly database updates and frequent software upgrades; handling users' problems with communications programs, locked keyboards, search strategies, and file transfers; preparing and updating self-help guides, flyers, newsletters, and electronic bulletins; registering and assisting new users with passwords, log-on, etc.; teaching CDLink to medical and allied health classes; and helping other departments acquire and set up equipment needed to access CDLink. Because most students and many staff members do not have access to computers at other locations, the library has become a center for electronic communications. Services include electronic mail (E-Mail), as well as CDLink and other locally mounted databases for drug information, gene sequences, and epidemiology. The reference staff is the most readily available resource for answers to questions about these services and must strive to anticipate problems, acquire documentation, and assist users. Some applications originate from other departments, so significant effort is required to keep up-to-date on various services. Meanwhile, heavy MEDLINE use on the LAN has continued. Maintaining the seven LAN workstations splits search traffic and provides backup to CDLink but also requires extensive one-on-one instruction. At the same time, user expectations for CDLink and other electronic services are constantly rising. FUTURE PLANS A formal evaluation of CDLink is planned, using questionnaires and interviews with a representative sample of users. Two evolving components of the campus network are expected to increase CDLink usage. First, additional hard-wired terminals will be installed in hospital wards and other potential highuse areas. Second, when the campuswide, fiber-optic backbone is fully implemented, users will experience fewer telecommunications problems and need less specialized software and hardware. The full MEDLINE database back through 1966 will be installed in the fall of 1992, with a third CD-ROM stack to accommodate the additional disks. The central New York regional book catalog, a new CD-ROM application, will be operational in 1992. Member libraries will have dial-in access limited to this catalog. The library staff will continue to review the rapidly expanding marketplace of new CD-ROM products for potential additions to CDLink.
Bull Med Libr Assoc 80(4) October 1992
The library staff has learned a number of valuable lessons from the CDLink experience that may prove useful to others, specifically:
* Cooperation is vital between the library and other departments in the installation, testing, and maintenance of the system. * Communication between the library and its users must be ongoing and offered in a variety of formats. * The library should be an access point for all campus electronic services. * Menus should be designed for consistency and ease of use. * Both hardware and software must be upgraded continually; flexibility and connectivity with the campuswide network should be maintained; and PCs, Macintosh computers, and terminals should be supported. * Demand increases for connectivity and access generated by dial-in systems. SUMMARY
Although it has meant additional work, CDLink has enhanced the productivity and effectiveness of the library's public services program. CDLink enables the library to offer dial-in access to databases, either in CD-ROM or other MS-DOS formats. The VAX MSDOS connection is a cost-effective way to combine the benefits of remote access and multiple simultaneous use. From the user's perspective, CDLink provides free, twenty-four-hour remote access to databases in a friendly, menu-driven environment. For the library staff, the CDLink service represents the achievement of a long-awaited goal.
REFERENCES 1. CAPODAGLi JA, MARDIKIAN J, UVA PA. MEDLINE on compact disk: end-user searching on Compact Cambridge. Bull Med Libr Assoc 1988 Apr;76(2):181-3. 2. KrrrLE P. Putting a medical library online: phase III remote access to CD-ROMS. Laserdisk Prof 1989 May;2(3): 15-8. 3. BLAcxwELDER MB, Wu E, BRODIE K. CD-ROM access via a VAX: one institution's experience. CD-ROM Libr 1990
Nov;5(10):24-9. 4. KELLEY C. Bertrand Library installs Logicraft. CD-ROM
Libr 1990 Nov;5(10):4. 5. Wu E, BRODIE K, BLAcKwELDER MB. PC based CD-ROM access via a VAX-an experiment (at the Medical College of Wisconsin libraries; presented at CIL Conference '90). Libr Software Rev 1991 Jan/Feb;10:38-9.
Received January 1991; accepted January 1992
379
