A Forecast of Events and Conditions That Might Affect Job and Training Requirements for Medical Librarians. Technical Report 73-30.

The Delphi method was used to obtain estimates from 15 experts in medical education and biomedical communications of events and conditions which might occur in the next 20 years in biocommunications, health care services, and medical education that would effect the job and training requirements for future medical librarians. Ninety-five events and conditions were identified, and then information was gathered about the types of librarians and biocommunications personnel that might be affected by various events, and the probable effects, and training implications of each event. Most frequently mentioned events related to improvements in computer information storage and retrieval systems; systems for transmitting information; changes in future job duties, training, and manpower requirements of future libraries; development of special libraries and/or information centers; and increased involvement with cooperative efforts, especially standardization projects. (Author/CH)