Present situation of Ichushi-Web (Bibliographic database of Japanese biomedical information) in Japanese public libraries

Abstract

<Objective> The Ichushi-Web, an effective tool for comprehensive searches of Japanese medical literature, is a fee-based database widely used by medical colleges/universities, hospitals, and healthcare professionals, but is not widely used in public libraries. Only fifteen (about 30% of prefectural libraries) have adopted this database. <Methods> We conducted a questionnaire survey of these fifteen prefectural libraries on the use of the Ichushi-Web and obtained responses from all of them. <Results> The number of accesses to the database in FY2018 ranged from 0 to 500. 93% of the libraries was providing printed copies of Ichushi-Web search results to patrons. 53% of the libraries was providing patrons access to browsing e-journal text linked from the search results. 40% of the libraries was providing patrons printout copies of the full-text of e-journals linked from the search results. <Discussion> Libraries do not often provide links from Ichushi-Web to medical journal Websites with articles and databases. The useful functions of Ichushi-Web are not being utilized. Education and in house training of librarians is necessary for a better use of Ichushi-Web. A pathfinder for patrons should also be created. Public libraries are responsible to guarantee access to online data and to provide an environment where patrons can print out the data, but this has not yet been achieved.