Heather K. Moberly

Exploring the Veterinary Literature: A Bibliometric Methodology for Identifying Interdisciplinary and Collaborative Publications

Veterinary medical research traditionally focuses on animal health and wellness; however, research activities at veterinary colleges extend beyond these traditional areas. In this study, we analyzed eleven years of Web of Knowledge-indexed peer-reviewed articles from researchers at the twenty-eight United States American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) accredited veterinary colleges. We had three goals in assessing the published literature of veterinary college researchers. First, we identified a list of journals and research areas outside veterinary medicine in which veterinary researchers publish. This list of journals can be customized to identify those most essential at each institution. Second, we identified collaborative work by veterinary researchers across disciplines and institutions. Using textual analysis tools and visualizations helped us illustrate and clarify these data. Last, we developed a methodology for defining an interdisciplinary serials list outside a subject core that can be customized for specific institutions and subject areas.

Essential and core books for veterinary medicine

Objectives This study defined core and essential lists of recent, English-language veterinary medicine books using a data-driven methodology for potential use by a broad audience, including libraries that are building collections supporting veterinary sciences and One Health initiatives. Methods Book titles were collected from monograph citation databases, veterinary examination reading lists, veterinary college textbook and library reserve lists, and published bibliographies. These lists were combined into a single list with titles ranked by the number of occurrences. Results The methodology produced a core list of 122 monographs and an essential list of 33 titles. All titles are recent, edition neutral, English language monographs. One title is out of print. Conclusions The methodology captured qualitative and quantitative input from four distinct populations who use veterinary monographs: veterinary practitioners, educators, researchers, and librarians. Data were collected and compiled to determine core and essential lists that represented all groups. Unfortunately, data are not available for all subareas of veterinary medicine, resulting in uneven subject coverage. This methodology can be replicated and adapted for other subject areas.

Exploring National Veterinary Information Outreach

The Medical Sciences Library at Texas A&M University (MSL) participates in the National Library of Medicine (NLM) National Network of Libraries of Medicine South Central Region (NN/LM) Regional Resource Library outreach initiative. This program generally funds regional outreach activities promoting NLM information resources. The MSL and veterinary library community recognized practicing clinical veterinarians as an underserved population. The 2013–2014 MSL outreach proposal combined traditional activities with the development of materials to assist veterinarians with NLM resources, and exhibit to a national audience. This article provides an overview of the NN/LM SCR Resource Library Outreach Awards, an overview of MSL outreach activities for the year, and lessons learned.