The future role of the health sciences library in the Department of Veterans Affairs.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) conducted a survey to ascertain the perceptions of 322 library service chiefs and health care administrators within the VA health care system. Participants were asked to rate the desirability and probability of twenty-five predetermined statements and to identify the forces that would have an impact, either positive or negative, on whatever statements became reality. The response rate was 93%. Analysis of the data indicated that there was no significant difference between the library managers and health care administrators in their perceptions. Results indicate that both groups believe libraries serve an integral role in VA medical centers and that library services cannot be provided as successfully off site. The data also appear to reveal a clear consensus on the part of both groups for increased library involvement in educational activities and information delivery.