The innovation in the continuity: the list of existing periodicals in Health Libraries and Documentation Services in Portugal

Abstract

The Associação Portuguesa de Documentação e Informação de Saúde (APDIS) arouse from a network of libraries and documentation & information centres that work in Portugal with health institutions. Association main purpose is to increment healthcare investigation and training & development towards better healthcare delivery, by helping providing healthcare information and information exchange both at national and international levels. The List of existing periodicals in Health Libraries and Documentation Services in Portugal is one of the first working tools edited by the Association and results from a strong cooperation effort between health institutions lead by APDIS, on its sixth edition so far. In 2002 APDIS also launched The List of existing periodicals in Health Libraries and Documentation Services in Portugal in electronic support (LAO), accessible to subscribers, as an answer to the challenge of providing better access to publishing through technology. Due to the effort of APDIS, this technology tool helps today health librarians to rend a more efficient service regarding access to written research. Last 2004 edition lists periodical titles of 223 health libraries. The List is available both in paper and electronic support which allows both publication headings consultation and inter-library loan orders by using an incorporated module. The electronic support also manages requests simplifying administrative work. The Poster presents the List of existing periodicals in Health Libraries and Documentation Services in Portugal electronic tool and its functionalities. Between 2002-2005 were registered 33.001 inter-library loans and subscribed services increased almost 100%. Although, it is expected that List of existing periodicals in Health Libraries and Documentation Services in Portugal will face difficulties next years on establishing and improving, unless it is negotiated a partnership with an influent partner in Portugal.