Library Services and Request Forms for MMS Members
October 1, 2003
Mediated Literature Search
Service
MMS members and staff, as well as BML members, have access to mediated
literature searches at no cost. The branch librarian has access, on
behalf of MMS members and staff, to the databases available on the
Countway Digital Library and the Harvard Libraries portal. Among the
available databases are Medline, Science Citation Index, Current
Contents, MD Consult, UpToDate, and Lexis-Nexis.
The mediated literature search service is designed as a fast,
efficient, customized and professional service. It can be useful to you
if: you need references, abstracts, full-text articles or reviews on a
topic; you would like specialized and/or comprehensive bibliographic
research; you need to search additional resources in order not to miss
anything; you do not have access to electronic resources; you do not
have the time to do the search yourself.
Upon receiving your request, the librarian will conduct a search for
you on your topic. The search results will be sent to you in accordance
with your instructions, e.g., e-mail, fax, US mail.
If you have any questions about the databases and search
capabilities, please contact the branch librarian.
Literature search requests may be submitted using the following
methods:
Reference Service
The branch librarian provides full reference desk services to the
members and staff of the MMS, as well as BML members. We are available
to answer questions, find specific information, identify publications,
locate library materials, and offer instruction in the use of library
resources.
Reference questions may be submitted using the following methods:
NOTE: This service is intended for use by BML members, and members
and staff of the MMS. If you are a member of the general public, please
call 1-800-338-RMLS or find your regional
medical library.
Document Delivery Service
The branch librarian has access, on behalf of members and staff, to the
Countway Digital Library and the Harvard Libraries portal. Documents
obtained through the branch librarian are provided at no charge to MMS
members.
MMS members and staff, as well as BML members, may request specific
journal articles using the following methods:
Core Reference Collection of Books and
Journals
The Boston Medical Library branch at the MMS Waltham Woods
headquarters contains a core reference collection of books and journals.
Clinical journals are generally held for 2-3 years.
MMS publications and health care administration journals are
collected over a longer period. The New England Journal of
Medicine and JAMA are held for at least 10 years. The
branch librarian also has access on site to New England Journal of
Medicine volumes back to 1964. The current 6 months of many other
clinical journals are available to members through the librarian.
MMS and BML members also have access, via the librarian, to the
Countway Digital Library, which now includes almost 2,000 full-text
journals and 65 texts.
For best results, please contact the branch librarian, Elizabeth
Fitzpayne, prior to your visit, to ascertain the availability of a
particular journal/issue.
The branch library collection also houses selected Boston Medical
Library publications, 72 volumes of the Classics of Medicine, some MMS
archival material, and four daily newspapers, The Boston Globe,
The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and Boston
Herald.
Workstations with Internet Connection
MMS members, staff, and BML members are welcome to use the computer
workstations with Internet connection in the branch library at MMS
headquarters in Waltham. The workstations, which include two PCs and one
Macintosh, are available during library hours. The library is open
around the clock, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Facilities include a networked printer for the PCs and Internet
access for laptops.
Personalized Training to Use Online
Databases
Members of the MMS and the BML may obtain individualized training to
use MEDLINE and other online databases at the BML branch library in
Waltham. The branch librarian is available to provide training
customized to members’ specific interests. Demonstrations of
electronic resources, such as MD Consult, UpToDate and Science Citation
Index, may also be arranged. Appointments are required.
To discuss your training needs, and to schedule a training session or
demonstration, please call the branch librarian at (781) 434-7691 or
send an email to efitzpayne@mms.org.
Current Awareness Service
The Current Awareness Service is offered, at no charge, to MMS
members, staff and BML members who require regular updates on a specific
topic. The branch librarian will create an Automatic Alert search in
MEDLINE or other databases.
It is recommended that the search topic be narrowly defined. Search
results will be relevant and precise if the most specific, appropriate
Medical Subject Headings (MeSH), keywords, and database limit features
are used to refine the strategy and restrict retrieval. To discuss
database and search strategy options, please contact the branch
librarian.
The search strategy will be saved and executed each time the database
is updated, generally on a monthly basis. The results will be e-mailed
to you.
To arrange for this service, please send your request, as
follows:
A Quiet Place to Read and Study
The Boston Medical Library branch, located at the MMS
headquarters in Waltham, is open to MMS members and staff and BML
members. With views of the Boston skyline, the Waltham Woods, and an
outdoor patio, the library offers a quiet and inviting space for
contemplation and study. In addition to the collection of books,
journals and newspapers for browsing, members will find computer
workstations with Internet connection, study areas, and comfortable
seating. The library also adjoins a small conference room. The library
is open around the clock, including evenings, weekends, and holidays and
is staffed by the branch librarian from Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. -
5:00 p.m.
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