MMS Librarian Conducts Free Searches for Members

For ophthalmologist Deanna Ricker, M.D., a colleague's recommendation proved eye-opening, when more than a year ago she discovered the MMS branch of the Boston Medical Library (BML), which is housed at the Waltham headquarters.

"This is a fabulous benefit of MMS membership," noted Dr. Ricker, who has used the service more than 20 times in the last year. "I'm very enthusiastic because this resource saves me time, aggravation and expense, and Ms. Fitzpayne, the librarian, is incredibly knowledgeable and accommodating."

Through the MMS branch, a joint venture of the MMS, the BML and Countway Library of Medicine, members can access the expertise of Elizabeth Fitzpayne, a full-time, onsite reference and education librarian, who will conduct searches for members free of charge -- with no hassle, rapid turnaround and individualized service.

"I'm here to help members fully leverage the vast informational resources available -- quickly and painlessly -- for both clinical care and academic purposes," Fitzpayne commented.

Members can contact Fitzpayne through the MMS website or by e-mail, fax, phone or postal mail with a request. She then conducts searches using print and electronic resources and provides the member with articles, citations, abstracts and text on specified topics. She will deliver the search results by e-mail, fax or in accordance with the user's preference. MMS members may receive an unlimited number of articles and other materials at no charge if they are available electronically or in the branch library collection.

"I generally use the library for answers to clinical care questions," said Dr. Ricker. "Elizabeth will research the latest studies on drug side effects or nuances of a disease state. Recently, she helped me with a search on a specific patient problem relating to glaucoma."

In addition to the print publications housed at the Medical Society, the Waltham branch serves as a gateway to the Countway Digital Library and the Harvard Libraries online portals, which comprise one of the world's most extensive collections of electronic medical resources.

With Fitzpayne's assistance, members can access hundreds of online databases and medical publications, such as MEDLINE, MD Consult and Current Contents. Other powerful research tools include thousands of full-text, online journals, textbooks and indices.

"This service fits squarely with the mission of the MMS, by helping physicians provide the best possible care to patients," Dr. Ricker concluded. "It eliminates the stress and time sink of finding answers to very important clinical questions. I think more physicians will be calling once they realize how user-friendly the system is and how uniquely helpful Elizabeth is."

- Jennifer Gibson

More information about the services of the MMS branch of the BML
The MMS branch of BML is also open to staff of MMS and members of the Boston Medical Library.