Written specifically for information professionals, this text helps you grasp the fundamentals of a rapidly emerging field and describes how medical libraries can be essential players in the health informatics revolution. The book includes discussion of the history, role, and infrastructure of medical informatics as well as its impact on access to medical information and the culture and quality of medical care. From data and information processing to database management, telecommunications and networks, computer-aided instruction, and special technologies like wearable computers, you'll find thorough information on medical knowledge and the use of information technology tools in the health sciences. All major arenas--including nursing, pharmaceutical, dental, public health, hospital, and veterinary informatics--are considered in detail. A must-have for every medical or health library and information center, this is also an ideal text for undergraduate or graduate-level courses in biomedical information management.