Use of ERMED Consortium facilities by Faculty of , , Tamilnadu,

Dr. J. Selvamani Regional Medical Library The Dr. M.G.R Medical University Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India [email protected]

Dr. Kotti Thavamani Regional Medical Library The Tamil nadu Dr. M.G.R Medical University Chennai,Tamil Nadu. India [email protected]

Abstract The study focused on use of ERMED consortium facilities by faculty of Stanley Medical College (SMC) Chennai, Tamilnadu. A total number of 63 users are taken into account for the study through a questionnaire based survey method. The collected data were classified, analyzed, and tabulated by using simple statistical methods. This study covers the impact of ERMED consortium resources on users in the library. The major findings are majority of the respondents, 57 of them (90.476%) were female and the remaining 6 respondents (9.523%) were male. Majority of the respondents are satisfied with availability of online e-resources available in the library. The results of the study are also indicates that majority of the users are Assistant Professors. The users are good opinion about the e-resources provided by the publishers.

Keywords: ERMED consortium, e-resources, Stanley Medical College,

Introduction National Medical Library’s Electronic Resources in Medicine (ERMED) Consortium is an initiative taken by Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MOH & FW), to develop nationwide electronic information resources in the field of medicine for delivering effective health care. State and centrally funded Government Institutions including all AIIMS are selected as its members. The members are divided into Level-I and Level-II on the basis of number of end-users in different institutes. There is no membership fee charged from members and the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MOHFW) has provided funds required for the purchase of electronic journals under the NML-ERMED consortium project. The consortium is coordinated through it’s headquarter set up at the NML. The consortium continues to be expanded and updated on an ongoing basis and suggestions for relevant and useful content are welcome. 242 high quality online e- International Research: Journal of Library & Information Science | Vol.7 No.2, Jun., 2017 276

journals are presently purchased from five leading publishers are British Medical Journal Publishing, Cambridge University Press, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Oxford University Press and John Wiley. Mission: The National Medical Library aims to provide wide and efficient library and information services to the health science (HS) professionals in India. It functions under the administrative control of the Directorate General of Health Services.

Medical Colleges in Tamil Nadu The Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University Act, 1987 received the assent of the President of India on 24 September 1987. By 1991, it was ordered that the Act may be called the Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University, Chennai Act, 1987. This affiliating University started functioning from July 1988 and is governed by the said Act. The Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University is situated in Guindy in the Southern part of the City of Chennai (formerly Madras) in the State of Tamil Nadu, South India. The Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University is a medical university centered in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. It is named after the former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Dr. M.G. Ramachandran (M.G.R.) and is the second-largest health sciences university in India. This is the only Medical University in Tamil Nadu capable of granting affiliation to new medical and paramedical colleges, government or self - financing; and awarding degrees (also note that until 1988, all degrees of Health Sciences in Tamil Nadu were awarded by the ).

Government Medical Colleges in Chennai At present there are twenty one government medical colleges controlled by the State Government of Tamil Nadu in India. All of the colleges are affiliated with the Tamil Nadu Dr. M .G.R. Medical University. At present four medical colleges in Chennai, there are, (MMC), Stanley Medical College (SMC), Government (GKMC) and Government Medical College Hospital, Omandurar Government Estate, Chennai.

Stanley Medical College (SMC) is a government medical college with hospitals located in Chennai (Madras) in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. Though the original hospital is more than 200 years old, the medical college was formally established on July 2, 1938. Stanley Medical College was ranked 22nd in the India Today 2014 survey. The medical college and the International Research: Journal of Library & Information Science | Vol.7 No.2, Jun., 2017 277

hospital include a Centre of Excellence for Hand and Reconstructive Microsurgery and a separate cadaver maintenance unit, the first in the country. By legacy, the hospital's anatomy department receives corpses for scientific study from the Monegar Choultry from which the hospital historically descended. This college is affiliated to The Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R Medical University, Chennai and offer a number of undergraduate and postgraduate programs to the students. The college provides excellent training and state of art infrastructure facility towards medical and patient care.

Literature Reviews Bhat., Mahesh & Mudhol (2014) studied the awareness and use of electronic resources by medical students available in the medical institute libraries. The results of this survey are presented and discussed in this paper. Kumar (2016) reported that the usage and experience of e-resources medical students at Maharishi Markandeshwar University, Ambala Haryana. In this study it is try to verify and evaluate the purpose, frequency, reasons of using and place of student’s access to e-resources. Lobo (2016) finds out the use of electronic resources by the Faculty and Postgraduate students of Medical Colleges in Mangalore.

Objectives of the Study The present study was conducted to find out the use of ERMED consortium e-resources by readers of government medical college library in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

o To find out the gender, designation, frequency of reading hours, week and month of the users. o To study the opinion level of users to access of ERMED consortium e- resources, the purpose and utilization of ERMED consortium e-resources available in the library, training to use ERMED consortium vs designation of the respondents.

o To evaluate the satisfied with ERMED consortium e-resources provided by publisher, reasons for influenced in academic efficiency by respondents.

Methodology The present study is mainly based on the primary data collected from the Stanley Medical College (SMC) library users of the medical college library representing the different departments. A total 75 questionnaires were distributed to faculties. Out of which 49 from

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Assistant Professor, 13 Associate Professor and one from Professor received back with 84 % response rate. These users are from different levels of positions. The collected data were classified, analyzed, and tabulated by using simple statistical methods. Among the respondents, 57 (90.476%) were female and the remaining 6 (9.523%) users were male.

Population and Sample The population of this study is comprised of Stanley medical college library in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. There are twenty one government medical college libraries functioning in the state. At present there are four medical college libraries functioning in Chennai. For the present study, only one medical college library is selected. The seventy five participants were randomly drawn from each of the selected. The study focuses on Professors, Associate Professors and Assistant Professors. Participants are selected from both male and female Faculty. This gave a total of 63 faculties that took part in the study.

Data Analysis Analysis of data collected through survey methods using questionnaire was resorted to elicit information from the users of Stanley Medical College (SMC) library. A structured questionnaire was prepared and administered among the samples drawn for the present study.

Table 1: Respondents by Gender Designation Sl. Total Gender No. Assistant Professor Associate Professor Professor N=63 n =49 n = 13 n = 1 5 1 0 6 1 Male (10.20%) (7.69%) (000) (9.52%) 44 12 1 57 2 Female (89.79) (92.30%) (100%) (90.48%)

49 13 01 63 Total (77.78%) (20.63%) (1.58%) (100%)

Table 1 show a total of 75 respondents took part in this study. Among the respondents, 57 of them (90.476%) were female and the remaining 6 respondents (9.523%) were male. In Assistant Professors, maximum numbers of female visitors (44) are using the ERMED consortium e-resources.

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Table 2: Seeking E-Resources of Information Vs Designation Designation Sl. Assistant Associate Total Sources-of Information Professor Rank No. Professor Professor N=63 n = 1 n =49 n = 13 1 Discussion with colleague 23 10 -- 33 3 Consult a knowledgeable 15 2 10 04 1 10 person in the field 3 Consult supervisor 03 -- -- 03 14 4 Discussion with librarian 04 01 -- 05 12 5 E-Review journals 04 - -- 04 13 6 E-Abstracting journals 17 04 -- 21 8 7 E-Indexing journals 34 06 01 41 1 8 E-Library catalogues 23 05 - 28 5 9 E-Textbooks 30 07 01 38 2 10 E-Theses/dissertations 23 03 -- 26 6 11 E-resources/journal books 27 04 01 32 4 12 E-Web resources 17 05 -- 22 7 13 E-Reference sources 03 03 -- 06 11 14 E-Technical reports 15 02 -- 17 9 15 E-Primary journals 02 -- -- 02 15

Table 2 shows a total those 41 respondents seeking e-resources due to e-indexing journals. This is followed by 38 respondents for seeking e-textbooks and third rank goes to discussion with colleague. The minimum number i.e. (2) of respondents is seeking e- resources e-primary journals.

Table 3: Time Spent in a week to use E-resources Vs Designation of the Respondents Designation Sl. Total Time Spent Assistant Professor Associate Professor Professor No. N = 63 n = 49 n = 13 n = 1 25 6 29 1 Less than 1 hour per week -- (51.020%) (46.153%) (46.031%) 12 5 1 18 2 2 to 3 hours per week (24.489%) (38.461%) (100%) (8.571%) 5 1 6 3 5 to 6 hours per week -- (10.204%) (7.692%) (9.523%) 2 1 3 4 7 to 9 hours per week -- (4.081%) (7.692%) (7.761%) 2 2 5 10 to 15 hours per week -- -- (4.081%) (3.174%) 5 5 6 Over 15 hours per week -- -- (10.204%) (7.936%) 63 Total (100%)

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It is significant to note from the table 3 that the respondents opinions on the time spent in a week to use ERMED consortium e-resources, nearly half of the respondents 29 (46.031%) spend less than 1 hour per week, followed by 18 respondents 2 to 3 hours per week, and 6 respondents spend to 6 hours per week.

Table 4: Visit to Other Libraries Vs Designation of the Respondents

Sl. Visit any other library Designation Total No. Yes No 16 33 1 Asst. Professor 49 (76.190%) (78.571%) 5 8 2 Associate Professor 13 (19.047%) (19.047%) 1 3 Professor -- 1 (2.380%) 21 42 63 Total (33.33%) (66.67%) (100%)

The data in table 4 presents, the respondent’s opinions on visit not only institutions library, but also visit to other libraries. It is found that 21 (33.33%) respondents are visiting other libraries also. The majority of the respondents 42 (66.67%) are using college library only.

Table 5: Use ERMED Consortium Vs Designation of the Respondents Designation Sl. Total Sources of Information Assistant Professor Associate Professor Professor No. N = 63 n = 49 n = 13 n = 1 6 2 8 1 Daily -- (9.52%) (3.17%) (12.69%) 8 1 9 2 Once in a week -- (12.69%) (1.59%) (14.28%) 4 1 5 3 2 to 3 times in a week -- (6.35%) ((1.59%) (7.94%) 7 1 8 4 Once in a Month -- (11.11%) (1.59%) (12.70%) 21 6 27 5 2 to 3 times in a Month -- (33.33%) (9.51%) (42.86%) 3 3 6 6 Rarely -- (4.76%) (4.76%) (9.52%) 63 Total (100%)

It is seen form the table 5 that a majority of the respondents 27 (42.86%) used ERMED consortium 2 to 3 times in a month, followed by once in a week 9 (14.28%), least number of respondents to use ERMED consortium 2 to 3 times in a week 5 (7.94%), from the above analysis, an average one hour time spent in ERMED consortium e-resources. International Research: Journal of Library & Information Science | Vol.7 No.2, Jun., 2017 281

Table 6: Learn to handle the ERMED Consortium Vs Designation of the Respondents Designation Sl. Total Learn to Handle Assistant Professor Associate Professor Professor No. N = 63 n = 49 n = 13 n = 1 1 Training from University 17 3 20 -- Library (26.98%) (4.76%) (31.74%) 11 2 13 2 Self Instruction -- (17.46%) (3.17%) (20.63%) 10 6 16 3 Guidance from Colleagues -- (15.87%) (9.52%) (25.39%) 5 1 6 4 External Courses -- (7.92%) (1.59%) (9.51%) 6 1 1 8 5 College Librarian (9.51%) (1.59%) (1.59%) (12.69%) 63 Total (100%)

Table 6 shows that, 20 (31.74%) nearly 1/3 of the respondents learn to handle the ERMED consortium training from University Library, followed by guidance from colleagues 16 (25.39%) and meager respondents external courses 6 (9.51%).

Table 7: Purpose of mainly use the ERMED Consortium Vs Designation of the Respondents Designation Sl. Purpose of mainly Total Assistant Professor Associate Professor Professor No. used N = 63 n = 49 n = 13 n = 1 11 2 13 1 For Teaching -- (17.46%) (3.17%) (20.63%) 20 4 24 2 For Research -- (31.74%) (6.35%) (38.09%) 18 7 1 26 3 For Reference (28.57%) (11.11%) (1.59%) (41.27%) 63 Total (100%)

It is interesting to note that from the above table 7 that, 24 (38.09%) 1/3 of the respondents are mainly use the ERMED consortium for research purposes, followed by 26 (41.27%) of the respondents for reference purposes, and 13 (20.63%) of the users are using for teaching purpose.

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Table 8: Satisfied with the ERMED Consortium Vs Designation of the Respondents

Designation Assessing Assistant Professor Associate Professor Professor S. ERMED n = 49 n = 13 n = 1 No Consortium (1) (2) (3) (4) (1) (2) (3) (4) (1) (2) (3) (4) 1 Bibliographic 4 40 5 -- 1 6 2 4 -- 1 -- -- (8.16%) (81.63%) (10.20%) (7.69%) (46.15%) (15.38%) (30.79%) (100%) 2 Abstract 13 31 5 -- -- 9 2 2 -- 1 -- -- (26.53%) (63.26%) (10.20%) (69.23%) (15.38%) (15.38%) (100%) 3 Full Text 4 25 17 3 2 7 2 2 -- 1 -- -- (8.16%) (51.02%) (34.69%) (6.12%) (15.38%) (53.85%) (15.38%) (15.38%) (100%) 4 Review of 6 34 9 -- -- 7 2 4 -- 1 -- -- Literature (12.24%) (69.38%) (18.36%) (53.84%) (15.38%) (30.76%) (100%) (1. Highly Satisfied 2.Satisfied 3.Less Satisfied 4.Not Satisfied)

Table 8 shows that, the average score of the satisfaction of the ERMED consortium, (81.63%) of the Assistant Professors are satisfied in bibliographic followed by abstract (69.26%), and full text (51.02%), and major respondents’ satisfied review of literature (69.38%). It is interesting to note that, a meager percent opinion in Highly Satisfied in abstract (26.53%).

Table 9: Use of ERMED Consortium has influenced academic efficiency Vs Designation of the Respondents Designation Sl. Assistant Associate Total Purpose of mainly used Professor No. Professor Professor N = 63 n = 1 n = 49 n = 13 17 5 22 1 Improved Teaching effective -- (26.98%) (7.94%) (34.92%) Expedited the research 24 6 1 31 2 process (38.09%) (9.52%) (1.59%) (49.20%) Use of conventional 2 2 3 -- -- documents has increased (3.17%) (3.17%) Dependency on the E- 6 2 8 4 -- Resources has increased (9.52%) (3.17%) (12.70%) 63 Total (100%)

It is observed from table 9 that, the use of ERMED consortium has influenced academic efficiency in expedited the research process 31 (49.20%), and followed by improved teaching effective 22 (34.92%). A meager percent respondent’s mainly used dependency on the e-resources has increased 2 (3.17%).

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Table 10: Satisfied with ERMED Consortium e-resources provided by Publishers Sl. Satisfied with the Designation Total with No. ERMED Assistant Professors Associate Professors Professor Parentage Consortium Yes No Yes No Yes No 1 BMJ 42 7 9 4 1 63 (85.72%) (14.28%) (69.23%) (30.77%) (100%) -- (100%) 2 Oxford University 23 26 7 6 1 63 Press (46.93%) (53.06%) (53.85%) (46.15%) (100%) -- (100%) 3 Cambridge 12 37 4 9 1 63 University Press (24.49%) (75.51%) (30.77%) (69.23%) (100%) -- (100%) 4 Wiley - Blackwell 15 34 1 12 1 63 (30.61%) (69.39%) (7.69%) (92.31%) (100%) -- (100%)

It is significant to note from the table 10 that, the respondents opinions on satisfied with ERMED consortium provided by the publishers in BMJ, 42 (85.72%) more than 1/4 of the Assistant Professors are satisfied “Yes”, followed by Oxford University Press (46.93%), and Cambridge University Press (24.49%). It is interesting to note that, 9 (69.23%) of the Associate Professors are satisfied in BMJ, and 7 (53.85%) respondents in Oxford University Press.

Findings and Conclusion This study has focused on relevant issues relating to the improvement and promotion of ERMED consortium e-resources of faculty.

 Among the respondents, 57 of them (90.476%) were female and the remaining 6 respondents (9.523%) were male. In Assistant Professors, maximum numbers of female visitors (44) are using the ERMED consortium.

 The majority of 41 respondents are seeking e-resources due to e-indexing journals. This is followed by 38 respondents for e-textbooks and third rank goes to discussion with colleague. The minimum number i.e. (2) of respondents is seeking e-resources e- primary journals.

 The respondent’s opinions on the time spent in a week to use ERMED consortium e- resources, nearly half of the respondents 29 (46.031%) spend less than 1 hour per week, followed by 18 respondents 2 to 3 hours per week, and 6 respondents spend to 6 hours per week.

o The respondent’s opinions on visit not only institutions library, but also visit to other libraries. It is found that 21 (33.33%) respondents are visiting other libraries also. The majority of the respondents 42 (66.67%) are using college library only.

 Majority of the respondents 27 (42.86%) used ERMED consortium 2 to 3 times in a month, followed by once in a week 9 (14.28%), least number of respondents to use ERMED consortium 2 to 3 times in a week 5 (7.94%), from the above analysis, an average one hour time spent in ERMED consortium e-resources. International Research: Journal of Library & Information Science | Vol.7 No.2, Jun., 2017 284

 Nearly 1/3rd (20, 31.74%) of the respondents learn to handle the ERMED consortium training from University Library, followed by guidance from colleagues 16 (25.39%) and meager respondents external courses 6 (9.51%).

 24 (38.09%) 1/3rd of the respondents are mainly use the ERMED consortium for research purposes, followed by 26 (41.27%) of the respondents for reference purposes. And 13 (20.63%) of the users are using for teaching purpose.

 Most (81.63%) of the Assistant Professors are satisfied in bibliographic followed by abstract (69.26%), and full text (51.02%), and major respondents’ satisfied review of literature (69.38%). It is interesting to note that, a meager percent opinion in highly satisfied in abstract (26.53%).

 The use of ERMED consortium has influenced academic efficiency in expedited the research process 31 (49.20%), and followed by improved teaching effective 22 (34.92%). A meager percent respondent’s mainly used dependency on the e-resources has increased 2 (3.17%).

 The respondents opinions on satisfied with ERMED consortium provided by the publishers in BMJ, 42 (85.72%) more than 1/4 of the Assistant Professors are satisfied “Yes”, followed by Oxford University Press (46.93%), and Cambridge University Press (24.49%). It is interesting to note that, 9 (69.23%) of the Associate Professors are satisfied in BMJ, and 7 (53.85%) respondents in Oxford University Press.

Respondents should initiate themselves to utilize the available ERMED consortium e- resources more and more. This would gradually develop their skills in all walks of life. Therefore the library system would satisfy Dr. S.R. Ranganathan’s 5th law of library science.

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