Demonstrating the value of capturing conference posters in amber – the home of ambulance service research.

Background: National Health Service (NHS) Repositories have a role in capturing grey literature. 60% of conference posters in paramedicine are unlikely to be further published and become Lost Research. Capturing conference posters is an area where a repository can add value. amber, the UK ambulance service repository, has been working with conference partners to do this and now has a critical mass of posters. Capturing conference posters is expensive and we hope to demonstrate that the investment is worth it. Methodology: An analysis of the item views and download data from amber to measure usage. Results: We will answer the questions: Are posters being used as evidenced by downloads and views on amber? What are the patterns of usage? What subjects/topics drive high usage? Conclusion: Repository managers must make choices where to deploy often scarce resources to best effect. We hope to demonstrate and provide evidence (or not) for capturing conference posters.