MedlinePlus Go Local
Announcement
The National Network of Libraries of Medicine (NN/LM) Middle Atlantic Region (MAR), is accepting applications for MedlinePlus Go Local awards from NN/LM MAR Full and Affiliate Members. Maximum award is $25,000.
Purpose
The purpose of the MedlinePlus Go Local project is to link MedlinePlus users to information about health services in local communities, including hospitals, physicians, nursing homes, support groups, health screening providers, and others. You can link directly from each MedlinePlus health topic to services related to that particular topic. For example, if you choose Go Local from the MedlinePlus Chronic Fatigue Syndrome page, you will find links to local services such as Acupuncturists, Internists, Osteopaths, Hospitals and so on in the area you select.
The number of awards made is dependent on funding availability.
If you have questions or require assistance contact Kathel Dunn, Associate Director, at 1-800-338-7657, 212-263-4197, or rml@library.med.nyu.edu . Awards will be announced on the MAR discussion list, MARL as well as the MAR newsletter and the MAR blog.
Requirements
If using the NLM Go Local System
Technical
- NLM will maintain the hardware and system software for hosting the records and producing the Go Local Web pages, as well as the vocabulary and mapping between the Go Local applications and MedlinePlus.
- NLM will produce reports of broken links, which should be checked and repaired at least weekly. NLM will collect and provide user statistics.
- The project director or designated local administrator will set up user accounts and make customizations to their site.
- A comprehensive Go Local manual focusing on the NLM hosted input system is available online.
If using a Locally Supported System
Vocabulary mapping and maintenance
For locally supported systems the indexing vocabulary used must be mapped to the right MedlinePlus topic pages, and the mapping maintained as new topic pages are created. NLM provides weekly XML data with up-to-date details on MedlinePlus health topics (see example). These mappings allow users to go from MedlinePlus health topics to subject-specific local services and from local services pages to MedlinePlus topic pages. Sites must process the XML files at least once a month to update their mappings.
Technical
- Provide the hardware and software and have technical expertise to maintain the hardware and software.
- Create and provide training materials for the system, and provide support to those using the system.
- The database created must support local site creation and organize resources by subject, with each subject on a separate page
- The database must also support the mapping mentioned above under vocabulary.
- The public Web site must meet accessibility standards (at least to DOJ Section 508 standards) and basic usability guidelines, and should be usability tested to discover the quality of the user experience. It must be compatible with the most recent three versions of major browsers. Accessibility and usability need to be checked as Web standards change.
- Mapping from both visual and text links to geographic areas must be provided in the application.
- The system must be able to handle constant traffic from MedlinePlus 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and be maintained to high IT standards with suitable redundancy and security. MedlinePlus currently delivers over 60 million pages a month.
- Broken links should be checked and repaired at least weekly.
Application Process and Cost Proposal Instructions
Full and affiliate members who are interested in applying should review the MedlinePlus Go Local Proposal Guidelines (Word document).
The MAR staff will acknowledge receipt of your application.
