Guidance on making referrals

This section offers public librarians who are operating the Libraries & Learners in London scheme guidance on referring their readers into very specialised libraries.

Guidance on referring readers to Medical Libraries

Medical libraries face particular challenges when dealing with enquiries from the general public. There is always a fine line, recognised by information professionals, between giving information and advice, but the implications in the field of medicine are more serious than in other areas.

Academic medical libraries should probably be viewed as “libraries of the last resort” and members of the public could be encouraged to consult more appropriate resources listed below:

• The enquirer’s GP
• NHS Direct 0845 4647 or http://www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk/
• Nurse practitioners
• Charities and local self help groups, support groups

However if there is still a genuine need for the facilities of a specialist medical library, please refer the reader to participating Academic or Special Libraries through the LLiL scheme.