| The information needs of biomedical scientists are evolving rapidly. Dramatic changes in the scientific information environment are occurring because of the continued exponential growth in the literature, the complexity of the information, the number of journals and fields that must be tracked, and the pressure to publish in order to maintain research funding. There are limits to the amount of information that scientists can absorb and utilize. Unfortunately, the new information technologies, which have been touted as the answer to the information problem, do not yet provide reliable mechanisms for facilitating information retrieval. Before solutions can be found to the accelerating information crisis, it is necessary to gain a better understanding of the information search process and other factors relating to information storage, dissemination, and retrieval.;This study charts the historical development of information technology, information systems, and the field of information science. The status of several experimental projects is examined. The study discusses the use of the new electronic media based upon reports of their efficacy in the literature. In addition, a survey was sent to biomedical scientists at different stages in their careers in order to obtain data on their views about the effectiveness of certain information systems. The data from the respondents as well as from sources in the literature were utilized to develop a set of models conceptualizing the diverse elements of the scientific information environment today.;Key findings from the survey are that scientists continue to prefer the print scientific journal as their primary source of information for both current awareness and retrospective searches. Although other formal (mediated) information systems are used periodically, none compare with the print journal in terms of quality and other essential factors. Informal communication continues to be important in keeping abreast of new developments. Irrespective of the level of research experience, scientists do not rate electronic systems highly; this includes online journals and mediated-interpersonal communications.;The set of conceptual models in this study show that the information search process is multifaceted and complex. The challenge of the future will be to strengthen scientific communication through excellent information systems and thereby foster the conduct of science. To accomplish this, all of the participants in the process, especially the biomedical scientist, must be involved in the design of future information systems. |
