The Xerox DocuMate 510 scanner was installed in the medical library office by our IT staff on October 3, 2008. Since its installation, we have gotten much use from the scanner, as it is used regularly for ILL/document delivery purposes.

The scanner is compact and fits neatly at the corner of the desk. The scan quality is clear and it offers the common editing features, such as removing stray dots, auto straighten, etc. The equipment is easy to use, as well.

We expect to get continued use from this technology in the form of ILL/document delivery. I am certain that borrowing libraries are also happy to receive articles in pdf format, instead of difficult-to-read faxed articles.

As a result of acquiring the Xerox DocuMate 510, we now are able to minimize paper use, provide quick turnaround on all Docline requests, and provide better service to the library community.

Francine Silverman- Barney A. Slotkin Memorial Library- Kennedy Memorial Hospital, Cherry Hill Division

At the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center, library manager used a Small Projects Award to purchase QuarkXPress software. The software is used to produce the Cancer Resource Library’s monthly newsletter and patient pathfinders with a professional look.

Previously the library produced a two-page newsletter using Word and clip art. With QuarkXPress we have more flexibility with formatting and the use of graphics.

After our first issue was produced, the Medical Director of the Cancer Center approached us, and asked if we would include a monthly clinical trial in each issue. The monthly newsletter has now been expanded to four pages. We also are using the software to produce the monthly newsletter for the Wilmington Hospital Library.

The Cancer Resource Library also produces over three dozen pathfinders – guides for patients to assist in locating information on specific cancer topics such as breast cancer, thyroid cancer, sexuality, caregiving, talking to children about cancer, and nutrition. These double-sided single sheets, formerly produced in Word, are available in spinner racks in the lobbies on both floors of the building. We are in the process of converting all of these publications into QuarkXPress and changing the look of the pathfinder to a more professional appearance.

Our third project, still in the development stages, will be the production of a series of low-literacy brochures defining cancer terms.

In the four months since the use of the software began, circulation has increased 12.7% (vs. same period in 2007), the number of visitors to the library has increased 9%, and we have had a 6.8% increase in the number of first time users registering for library cards.

Barbara Henry- Helen F. Graham Cancer Center, Medical Library

The New York State Nurses Association is a multi-purposed professional association with a membership base of over 36,000 nurses. We participate in a variety of library networks which for practical purposes makes us ‘open to the public’ for a wide variety of users. Over 10 years ago the initial design and construction of the library’s computer network was integrated into an association wide network. At that time issues related to security were not of major importance. However, as the library has expanded its user base and access to a variety of databases, security has become a major concern. The current network configuration allows library users inappropriate access to association proprietary information, as well as, potential harm to the network.

The grant was intended to acquire wireless equipment (PCs and printer) that would remove computers used by the ‘public’ from the association’s network and add them to the wireless network designed for outside users who attend various meetings and workshops at the facility. The grant application process was eased by NNLM staff assistance. Our only bump in the road was the delivery of a partial equipment order resulting in a small delay in replacing all the older equipment. All users have commented on the increased speed and better aesthetics of replacing the older PCs with wires everywhere. Library staff stress levels have also decreased slightly as we worry less when someone use and external drive on a PC since only a single PC may be affected by a problem rather than crashing an association wide, multi-office network.

Warren Hawkes- New York State Nurses Association

Reminder: Applications are due next Monday, December 15 for two awards, Electronic Access/Document Delivery Access to Health Information and Outreach Training. See below for more information.

Electronic Access/Document Delivery Access to Health Information Awards
For Full Network members to encourage and facilitate access to the biomedical literature by unaffiliated health professionals, including the use of Loansome Doc, development of a web portal, and establishment of partnerships between libraries and unaffiliated health professionals or health professions groups. Three awards up to $10,000 each are available. Deadline is December 15, 2008.

More details: http://nnlm.gov/mar/funding/docdelivery.html

Outreach Training Awards
For Full and Affiliate Network members to train and promote awareness of the products and services of the National Library of Medicine (NLM) and NN/LM. Two awards up to $10,000 each are available. Deadline is December 15, 2008.

More details: http://nnlm.gov/mar/funding/outreachtraining.html

In late October, the Gretchen and James Johnson Medical Library at the Matheny Medical and Educational Center added two new patron-access computer workstations to its one existing workstation with funds from an NNLM/MAR grant. These workstations are an important new resource for our hospital’s nurses, therapists, teachers, personal care assistants, and other direct care staff who otherwise might not have easy access to computers. The project’s beneficiaries also include many medical students, residents, nursing students, and therapies interns who are trained at our facility. Aside from providing these individuals with greater access to the hospital’s computing network, the workstations have been an excellent “draw” to bring people into the library, prompting them to consider the library’s other resources. Funds were also used to upgrade a scanner used for a Table of Contents delivery service and interlibrary loans. The Matheny Medical and Educational Center is a special school and hospital in Peapack, New Jersey, serving the healthcare and educational needs of children and adults with developmental disabilities.

Jungwon DeVone- Matheny Medical & Educational Center- Medical Library.  Peapack, NJ

The National Network of Libraries of Medicine (NN/LM), Middle Atlantic Region (MAR), is pleased to announce the following winners for the MAR EFTS Awards.

 Trinitas Hospital- Elizabeth, New Jersey 

St. Francis Hospital Medical Center- Wilmington, Delaware

Hamot Medical Center- Erie, Pennsylvania

South Jersey Healthcare- Vineland, New Jersey

Saratoga Springs Public Library- Saratoga Springs, New York

The Commonwealth Medical College- Scranton, Pennsylvania

Robert Morris University Library- Moon Township, Pennsylvania

Jameson Health System Library- New Castle, Pennsylvania

Holy Name Hospital- Teaneck, New Jersey

New York Methodist Hospital- Brokklyn, New York

Virtua Health West Jersey- Voorhees, New Jersey

Virtua Memorial Hospital- Burlington County

Western Pennsylvania Forbes Regional Campus Health Sciences Library- Monroeville, Pennsylvania

Penn State University College of Medicine- Hershey, Pennsylvania

St. Mary’s Medical Center- Langhorne, Pennsylvania

The purpose of the EFTS award is to promote participation in EFTS among Full DOCLINE members and to improve the ease and cost-effectiveness of resource sharing throughout the region.  The EFTS award creates opportunities for non-EFTS libraries to receive initial funding to join the program and for current EFTS members to receive funding to continue their resource sharing efforts.  All funds were distributed directly from NN/LM MAR and deposited to EFTS in the name of the winners.    

We were fortunate to obtain a small projects award for our Open House on  October 7, 2008 at the VA Medical Library.  Preparation for the event involved advertising in a variety of venues. 

• We had small tabletop tent advertisements made that were put in most every staff room in the hospital.
• There was a sign that day on the electronic board in front of the medical center.
• Multiple emails announcing the event where distributed to every staff member on outlook mail. 
• The event was advertised on the front page of our library newsletter, distributed bimonthly.
• We made stickers to market the library and placed them on small pumpkins  and on individual water bottles. 
• We used grant money to purchase stress balls in the shape of apples with the theme and contact information printed on them.

Our goal was to bring staff into the newly redesigned library and, of course, advertise our resources.  Empty shelving was taken down and a large couch was donated.  We had  food purchased with funds  from our canteen service. Donations from a local apple orchard included hot mulled apple cider, a certain hit!  Decorations were autumn themed with scarecrows and hay blocks, fake mums and pumpkins, all reusable next year. Colorful balloons finished the festive look.    Large posters designed by library staff were printed inhouse.  Take home items included the pumpkins, apples, and pre-ordered apple shaped stress balls.  All the items included the “Fall into the Library” theme and contact information, including the stress balls.  A big hit with the staff was our powerpoint display projected on a large screen showing the history of the library from black and white photos of years ago when the library displayed a “smoking section” through the work done during renovation and ending with the currently redesigned library.  

Four gift certificates to the VA Canteen Store were used as incentives to visit our event along with the food, of course.  Staff was encouraged to sign up for either our remote access service or an NCBI account which enabled them to be eligible for the gift certificate.  This was probably the biggest draw along with the balloons and pumpkins outside the building hinting that something good was going on inside.  Training for pubmed was accomplished through individual instruction.   We felt once the staff were in the library, we would use this opportunity to provide a virtual tour of pubmed using mesh database. We explained the benefits of utilizing NCBI.  The medical staff was pleasantly surprised to learn how to utilize pubmed.  Training went on through out the event. 

Additionally, we did a pubmed search for any staff authoring a recent article. We gave out framed certificates to thank them for researching.   NNLM was good enough to provide computer bags and commuter cups as gifts.  The staff that received these items wer very grateful.

Fifty two candidates signed up for remote access through Athens and  about 20 staff members signed up for NCBI.  Approximately, 85 people attended in all.  Even the people that were not able to attend stopped by the next day to talk about it and get a stress ball.

Overall, the day and event was a huge success!  Staff members were amazed at the look of the library and, as always, surprised by our resources and services.  Use of the library has definitely increased and requests for reservations for use of private study and computer areas has developed directly as a result of getting staff into the library that day.  We are grateful to NNLM for this small projects award and the opportunity to market and advertise the library.

MaryLou Glazer- Northport VA Medical Library.

At Catskill Regional Medical Center, library manager Maryallison Farley used a Small Projects Award for some tried and true promotional materials.  She purchased a large quantity of profesionally designed and printed bookmarks to promote the Health Information Library’s resources and services that are available to the community.

In rural Sullivan County, residents are separated by large distances and have only a minimal public transportation system.  Enter the laminated Library bookmarks to spread the word far and wide that the hospital library is open to all community residents!  Residents have walk in access four days a week and phone reference service five days a week.  The Library provides free information packets on a selected health topic, mailed to community members at no cost.  All this information is included on the bookmarks.

In three months time, some 1,500 bookmarks have been distributed at such venues as the nine public libraries in the County, at various health fairs and at the sites visited by the Hospital’s mobile health unit.  Senior Centers and Town Centers will soon follow.  These bookmarks assist with the ongoing marketing that is required to keep a consumer health information service in the public’s eye.

MaryAllison Farley- Catskill Regional Medical Center, Harris, NY

To reflect pricing changes between the award notification and receipt, a few minor changes had been made to the items purchased; instead of a four-tiered book display, we purchased a three-tiered display, instead of two packages of gifted bookplate sheets, we purchased one package. As a result of damage during shipping, we were able to obtain another 12-pocket literature display. After sanding down the rough plastic edge of the damaged display, we were able to use display in the administrative area rather than the public area. Now there are fewer brochures laying down on a table allowing more room and more information for the public’s perusal. Also because of the new displays, we were able to expand our brochure exposure to the seating area directly outside of the Library, as well as the seating inside the door. So far, the brochures have been taken with some frequency and the chairs are being used more by those walking by.

The intention of this award was to bring more exposure to the Library, enticing staff and members of the public to visit and check out the resources that are available. I would venture to say that that goal has been met – following the time that I put the new displays up more brochures have been taken home than previously, gauging by the number of times I’ve refilled the displays. In the past few weeks, I have talked to and met many more staff than in the year prior, partially because of the new placement of the displays. Also contributing to new conversation is the rearrangement of furniture of the circulation desk. Once the new displays were put out, I realized that it was difficult to strike up a conversation with someone if 1) I did not have a view of the Library door and 2) all they saw was the side of my face – it was much more difficult to make eye contact. Enlisting the help of coworkers, the main desk for circulation was turned so that it faced the incoming traffic, and pieces of the modular circulation desk were removed so that the result was an outward facing, functional area, receptive to conversation and meeting the needs of patrons.

Circulation of in house books has increased as well in response to the ‘conversation starters’, and the barcodes and call numbers have been well protected by the label protectors. I received a large donation of periodical titles two weeks ago and was able to create gift bookplates for first issues of each volume – the donator was pleasantly surprised by this courtesy and has recommended donation to her coworkers.

Overall, this award has not only done what it was intended to do, but it has also opened pathways to new ideas and possibilities for the Library – there are many changes on the horizon. A before and after photo will be posted on the DSAMH Medical Library webpage as soon as the page’s edits go through the approval process and can be found here: http://www.dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dsamh/medical_library.html

Susanne Ingle, MSIS, MLS -Delaware Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health Medical Library

New Castle, DE 19720

Due to the lapse of time between confirmation of award receipt and the actual receipt of the payment, some modifications had to be made to the item order. The shredder was a different brand, but the same quality, and several hundred dollars less (we were unable to get the original quoted price because of a state contract renegotiation). As a result of that major different, an additional toner cartridge was ordered, and two of the ‘regular’ cartridges were upgraded to the ‘extra’ toner cartridges. Lubrication sheets for the shredder were also purchased. Also because of the time delay and contract changes, two of the three printers ordered where of a different series due to discontinuation of the previous series (there was minimal price difference).

The purpose of improving the technology in the Library was to increase the patronage of the physical library, as well as to encourage patrons to use the space for research and discourse. By upgrading the existing printers, and adding a new printer to the computer lab, patron satisfaction has been significantly improved. No longer are there ink stained, illegible print outs from the previous dinosaurs of printers, and no longer are there patrons waiting for the printer to ‘warm-up’ (previously a ten minute process). In the computer lab, students are now able to print out class work, tip sheets, or screenshots, adding value to the attended workshop. The shredder is in a central location, in a locked file room, easy and convenient for the shredding of confidential papers. The scanner has already seen quite a bit of use, as it was immediately converted to upon receipt – the old scanner was given to another team because it was still in usable order, just not for high volume use.

Receiving new public printers has made us rethink the organization and layout of the Library and how useable it is for its patrons. The three public access computers are not in the line of sight from the front entrance so people are surprised to learn that there are computers in the Library. In a similar fashion, there are several public study tables in the back of the Library that are tucked out of the way and are not often used. There are plans in place to rearrange the furniture of the Library before the end of the year, moving the computers and the tables to the front of the Library and the shelving units to the back, with the intention of making patrons aware of the technology improvements and creating a more user-friendly and inviting space.

A before and after photo will be posted on the DSAMH Medical Library webpage as soon as the page’s edits go through the approval process and can be found here: http://www.dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dsamh/medical_library.html

Susanne Ingle, MSIS, MLS - Delaware Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health Medical Library

New Castle, DE 19720