Medical librarians as online intermediaries in developing countries

Through postgraduate courses in developed countries many African librarians and information scientists have acquired skills in computerized bibliographic searching. On return to their countries they are faced with the realities of the different level of library technological developments. Their new knowledge is of value as they become intermediaries between their own clientele and the computerized bibliographic services in developed countries. However intermediaries, librarians and information scientists experience uncertainty regarding the quality of results from the searches they have formulated. The effect of time lag and lack of continuing education on morale are discussed.