LOANSOME DOC and hospital libraries in the southeast.

This study investigates the extent to which hospital librarians use and are satisfied with Loansome Doc. One hundred and ninetytwo libraries in the southeast region were surveyed. Results indicate that hospital libraries using Loansome Doc were not overburdened with end-users or requests. Hospital libraries' satisfaction with Loansome Doc was generally high. However, many libraries did not offer Loansome Doc services due to limited staff, fear of increased workload, cost/billing issues, and unfamiliarity with the system. Hospital librarians should consider offering Loansome Doc because of the potential for considerable timesaving benefits. Also, Loansome Doc can be an important promotional tool, fostering user confidence in the library's ability to quickly and conveniently meet information needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]