Discusses nine components of an environmental scanning model: selecting the scanning team; selecting resources to scan; choosing criteria for scanning; scanning the resources; identifying signals of new issues; selecting key events/issues; monitoring and analyzing events/issues; disseminating information; and deciding on appropriate organizational…

Discusses the professional liability of medical librarians and their employers in the delivery of information to physicians. Steps for librarians to take to protect themselves from professional liability and to insulate physicians and institutions from vicarious liability are suggested. (12 references) (MES)