Switching to a Virtual Library? Switch to ExtraLib ExtraLib is an innovative Internet service that enables libraries, hospitals and academic institutions to improve efficiency and enhance patient care by delivering customized medical information throughout an organization without the costs and complexity of traditional client/server solutions. ExtraLib is accessed through a standard browser interface (Netscape Navigator or Internet Explorer), meaning that users can retrieve information from any location. ExtraLib integrates content from several bibliographic and full-content sources, including CINAHL (nursing and allied health information), MEDLINE, Pre-MEDLINE, and the Cochrane evidence based medicine library, and provides linking to more than 1,000 full content biomedical journals. To obtain an evaluation subscription to ExtraLib, send an email to marketing@kfinder.com Powerful, intuitive user interface The advent of the Internet means that users such as physicians and nurses are increasingly searching databases without on-site assistance from trained librarians. This means that search interfaces must be robust enough to deliver relevant search results for novice users as well as experienced searchers. ExtraLib is powered by the leading-edge Knowledge Finder search interface that has been designed to allow users to search in natural language or using traditional Boolean techniques. This means that when users type queries in everyday language, Knowledge Finder will automatically provide concept mapping to the appropriate database (thesaurus) term. For example, a search for "advil" is automatically mapped to "Ibuprofen". Click here for a detailed discussion of the benefits of Knowledge Finder. Comprehensive and up-to-date content ExtraLib contains content from a variety of sources: CINAHL - The Cumulative Index in Nursing and Allied Health provides comprehensive coverage of more than 1,000 nursing and allied health journals dating back to 1982. The database provides an easy way to look up patient information and complementary medicine therapies. MEDLINE and PreMEDLINE - Includes bibliographic information for more than 4,000 journals dating back to 1966 - more than 20 million database items. ExtraLib also includes PreMEDLINE information, meaning that searches retrieve the most current biomedical information available on the Internet. The Cochrane Library - The Cochrane Library is an Evidence Based Medicine Resource that provides systematic reviews of the medical literature to identify the most appropriate forms of treatment and medical practice. Links to 1,000+ Full Content Journals - ExtraLib includes issue- and article-level linking to more than 1,000 full-content biomedical journals directly from bibliographic records. Some of these journals, such as JAMA, are currently provided for free, while others require separate subscriptions. Integration with existing resources ExtraLib allows organizations to maximize their returns on past investments in print and electronic journals, by providing a library holdings capability that notifies users of currently held journals. Click here for more information about the Library Holdings capabilities of ExtraLib. Alerting, SDI and ETOC capabilities With ExtraLib users and librarians can set up email alerts (SDIs) for specific subject searches or Tables of Contents for specific journals. This means that users can automatically stay current with the latest developments in their fields of interest. Click here for more information about this functionality. Summary Extralib is a fast and cost-effective way to transform a library or hospital information service into a value-added Internet offering. By integrating ExtraLib into your Web site, you will be providing doctors, researchers, nurses and allied health workers with information tools that will keep them effective. Frequently Asked Questions Q: Can I license additional content to include in ExtraLib? A: The basic ExtraLib package includes access to CINAHL, MEDLINE, PreMEDLINE and The Cochrane Library. Other databases can be added to the package, such as CANCERLIT, EMBASE Alert and others. Please contact marketing@kfinder.com with your specific requirements. Q: How much does ExtraLib Cost? A: The cost of ExtraLib includes access to the databases discussed above and is based on the number of concurrent users. Please contact marketing@kfinder.com for specific pricing information Q: Can I run ExtraLib on my own server? A: We encourage customers to subscribe to ExtraLib over the Internet because of the significant cost savings that they experience by not having to run and support their own database servers. However, where a locally hosted solution is essential, our Knowledge Host technology can be used. Q: I have free access to PubMed, why do I need ExtraLib? A: (a) ExtraLib includes content that is not available on PubMed, such as CINAHL and The Cochrane Library. This means that ExtraLib is qualitatively and quantitatively a superior offering. (b) ExtraLib includes functionality that is not available in PubMed. For example, users searching PubMed for "advil" will only retrieve one search result. However, ExtraLib provides automatic concept mapping to "Ibuprofen", thereby ensuring a superior search result. (c) ExtraLib integrates with local print and electronic journal collections using library holdings and links to 1,000+ online journals. (d) The ExtraLib interface can be customized to include specific information about your organization. (e) The focus of ExtraLib is to identify and promote your organization as the provider of a value-added service.