Publications and new products

Dear all,welcome back to my column! For this issue’s “Publications and new products” column I’ve searched the web and selected news and articles on the most discussed trends related to biomedical librarianship. Once again, it’s Artificial Intelligence, Diamond Open Access and Open Science. Among the reading suggestions is a paper by Galli, Moretti, and Calciolari which discusses the case for biomedical literature reviews, arguing that AI summaries may soon reach a point where they are equivalent to current reviews of the literature, possibly making them irrelevant. The paper poses a question that I would like to pose to you too: whether "the availability of automated summaries of the literature may raise the bar of what is still worth publishing"

Shaking it up: a research project to determine why our information skills training sessions are so popular

The Bodleian Health Care Libraries (BHCL) deliver ten different workshops as part of the wider University of Oxford (UK) Bodleian Libraries information skills training programme. Before the Bodleian Libraries launch an information literacy skills framework for the University in 2025, we set out to discover why our training sessions are popular with postgraduate students. We used two qualitative data collection methods: interviews, and focus groups. The data indicated a strong need for training in literature searching, evidence synthesis, critical appraisal, science communication (translating research for a non-specialist audience), and writing skills. Our training sessions fill some of those needs, and while the sessions are popular for that reason, we must promote them more widely

A training course on the employment of artificial intelligence (AI) to improve biomedical bibliographic searching: a report

The article describes a training course conducted by GIDIF-RBM (Italian Association of Health Librarians) aimed at introducing biomedical documentation professionals to the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools for enhancing bibliographic research. Held in October 2024, the course covered the practical application of AI-powered platforms such as ChatGPT, PubMed Buddy, Scispace, Rayyan, Dimensions, and others. Participants explored how these tools can improve the efficiency, relevance, and organization of literature searches. Pre- and post-course surveys assessed participants\u27 familiarity with AI technologies and their emotional responses to their integration in professional routines. Results highlighted a mixture of curiosity, skepticism, and cautious optimism. While AI tools demonstrated value in supporting complex research tasks, outcomes varied across platforms, underlining the continued need for human critical thinking and contextual judgment. The initiative signals GIDIF-RBM\u27s proactive role in preparing health information professionals for the opportunities and challenges posed by AI in biomedical knowledge management

Researchers and resources rising to meet environmental challenges

The article explores trends in environmental studies at the university-level and how EBSCO Information Services curates its database resources to meet the needs of students and researchers. The author discusses leading environmental problems and their cross-disciplinary permeance, the influence of international political agreements, and the varying needs of undergraduate students, graduate students, faculty, and library administrators. The history, content, and value of the GreenFILE and Environment Complete databases are detailed, including the many different subjects they cover (ex. climate change, green building, pollution, environmental protection, forestry, and watersheds.) The author articulates her process for reviewing and selecting scholarly journals to be included in these databases, and shares reasons for why the study of the environment is so important

Artificial Intelligence and Health Information Literacy

The proliferation of generative AI is changing health information behaviour. But the problems of accuracy and lack of transparency it has require users to develop some degree of AI literacy as an aspect of their health information literacy. There are many models of AI literacy suggesting key potential components such as knowledge of AI technologies; how to use them and evaluate outputs; how to protect one’s own safety; and ethical awareness, including of wider societal impacts. Conceiving these components as making up AI competency implies that it consists of the persistent attitudes and values of a critical information user, not the satisfied consumer that generative AI models try to create

Library usage by DDUH students and staff

Aim: To explore the accessibility, functionality, and effectiveness of Dublin Dental University Hospital (DDUH) library services for students and staff. Methods: A validated survey assessed satisfaction with library hours, study spaces, resources, online databases, and preferred study environments among students (dental nursing, technology, hygiene, science) and staff. Results: Of 217 respondents (86.2% students, mostly dental science), 68.7% were satisfied with library hours, though undergraduates favored extended and weekend access (p=0.015). Online database difficulties affected 32.3%, highest among dental technology students (57.9%, p=0.025). Study spaces were most valued; librarian services least. Most requested additional quiet, group, and lounge areas. Despite alternatives, 68.7% considered DDUH Library optimal. Conclusions: Extended hours, improved study spaces, digital training, and promoting librarian services are essential to enhance accessibility and meet evolving needs. Keywords (MeSH) terms: Libraries; Students, Dental; Education,