HEALTH-SCIENCE LIBRARIES IN INDIA - THEIR RESOURCES AND SERVICES

This paper identifies the different types of health science libraries located in various organizations engaged in research, education and tr aining, administration and programme implementation relating to health and family welfare. These medical libraries have been grouped into fo ur categories namely research, academic, medical and hospital, based o n the functions of the organization/institution to which they are atta ched. Based on an all India survey, the resources, such as documents, manpower, finances and equipment of 248 health science libraries belon ging to the allopathy system (modern medicine) have been examined. Bas ic library services, such as reference, current awareness, bibliograph y, MEDLARS/MEDLINE, abstracting/indexing, and photocopying have been s tudied. The information collected on various indices relating to medic al library resources have been analysed and presented, indicating thei r strengths and weaknesses. The survey indicated a significant imbalan ce among the resources held and services rendered. Some measures for t he improvement of the existing resources, services and their utilizati on have been suggested.