The National Network of Libraries of Medicine MidContinental Region is sponsoring a workshop on Knowledge Management. Participants of this workshop must include a team consisting of a hospital librarian and a professional from another department in the same institution. The goal of the workshop is for each team to explore the potential of knowledge management in the hospital setting, and to develop and implement a program in each respective institution.

In addition to the April 16-17, 2009 workshop, there are required readings, two required online pre-workshop sessions and post-workshop communication sessions. These pre-workshop sessions will be held on March 9 and April 7 on Adobe Connect. The post-workshop sessions will be scheduled at a later date.

Cost of the workshop is $35: this includes one lunch and all break refreshments. This workshop is open to participants nation-wide; however preference will be given to members of the MidContinental Region. The first 2 teams of MidContinental Region network members accepted for the workshop will have their travel expenses paid. Those 2 teams will be responsible to attend all sessions and either present their project within 18 months of the session or publish their work in a MidContinental Region publication.

To apply for this workshop, go to http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=mU0l95vzMYPHKD8L1WY87A_3d_3d and complete the application form. Deadline for submission of applications is January 19, 2009. (bbj)

On Thursday, December 18, from 3 - 4 pm EST, join The Disparities Solutions Center and representatives from the American Hospital Association and the National Association of Public Hospitals (both to be confirmed) as [they] continue [the] Robert Wood Johnson Foundation sponsored web seminar series with an event launching Improving Quality and Achieving Equity: A Guide for Hospital Leaders. This Guide is constructed to be clear, concise, practical, and easy to read. It is targeted to hospital leaders - including CEOs, VPs, and others that focus on quality, safety, finance, and risk management. The 60-minute, interactive, web-based seminar is free and open to the public. Register online now as space is limited. http://tinyurl.com/63d4en [posted on Joint Commission Hospitals, Language, and Culture List] scb

The Octoberr 14, 2008 Tech Therapy column is an interesting discussion of the diferences and similarities between library and IT staff. To read this column, go to http://tiny.cc/VnSII (bbj)

In September 2006, the Medical Library Association (MLA) was awarded a two-year contract by the National Library of Medicine to study aspects of health information literacy in hospital libraries. The Health Information Literacy Curriculum was developed as part of this Health Information Literacy Research Project. It includes a Powerpoint slide show (20-40 minute version and 40-50 minute version), a detailed script, notes for presenters, background reading, and tips for librarians - which are direct quotes from the pilot site librarians that tested the curriculum and reflect lessons learned.

Please send any feedback about the curriculum to Jean Pugh Shipman, Co-Principal Investigator for the project, at Jean.Shipman@utah.edu.[da]

Looking for information on scholarly communication? There have been many web pages directed to academic and research libraries about issues related to scholarly communication. The Network has attempted to create a page that better addresses the issues of library staff in clinical settings and other smaller, non-research libraries. If you are in one of these libraries, check out the National Network of Libraries of Medicine (NN/LM) web site titled “Scholarly Communication: Issues for Health Sciences Libraries in Clinical Settings” found at: http://nnlm.gov/rsdd/ejournals/nonacad.html

Alison Aldrich from the NN/LM Pacific Northwest Region is the author of this page. Another national page about electronic journals also has been updated by Alison to reflect changes in the scholarly communication environment: http://nnlm.gov/rsdd/ejournals/ She would be happy to hear your comments about either page and can be reached at: aldrich3@u.washington.edu /ch

AHRQ releases hospital surge capacity tool
September 15, 2008
The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality has released a Web-based tool to help hospitals and emergency planners estimate the resources needed to treat an influx of patients in a disaster. The Hospital Surge Model can estimate the number and flow of casualties needing medical attention for scenarios consistent with the Homeland Security Counsel’s National Planning Scenarios. http://hospitalsurgemodel.ahrq.gov/ [posted on the Medical Reserve Corps listserv http://www.medicalreservecorps.gov/ListservRulesRegulations ] scb

OAKBROOK TERRACE, Ill. - August 25, 2008) A new grant from The Commonwealth Fund will be used by The Joint Commission to revise and develop accreditation standards for culturally competent patient-centered care in hospitals across America. This standards development initiative builds upon The Joint Commission’s ongoing Hospitals, Language, and Culture: A Snapshot of the Nation study that examines how hospitals in the United States respond to the diverse cultural and language needs of their patients.The Joint Commission is currently seeking nominations for the Expert Advisory Panel. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply. The deadline to submit nominations is Monday, September 8, 2008. Read more at http://tinyurl.com/5fhryd [scb]

MCMLA Library Advocacy Task Force is sponsoring a contest for “Frontier Forerunners of Library Marketing and Promotion!” Here is your chance to show off your marketing project or promotional activities that you have used to improve or expand services in your library or for your users. MCR members are encouraged to submit materials to Marketing and Promotion Categories: you may enter one or both categories

Prizes for the best entry scoring above 80 points will be awarded. Entries will be evaluated on Design, Presentation and Evaluation Criteria. Entries should be submitted to Barb Jones jonesbarb@health.missouri.edu by September 1, 2008. Judges for the contest will be members of the MCMLA Library Advocacy Task Force. All entries are encouraged to display their projects and promotional materials at the Marketing Booth at MCMLA. The winners will be announced at MCMLA 2008 in Cody, Wyoming. (bbj)

A new calculator has been added to the online tools available through the MCR website. Check the Evaluation section for a link to the CBA/ROI calculator. This tool helps you discover the dollar value your book and journal collections return to your organization. Click on http://nnlm.gov/mcr/evaluation/roi.html to give it a try. Contact Betsy Kelly with any questions and please do send comments. Your input will help make this tool useful for you! [bk]

Attention AHIP’sters and AHIP’ster wannabes!

The MCRML has identified several ways Network members who are working towards earning
Academy of Health Information Professionals (AHIP) points can also work with their MidContinental Region Medical Library. If you are working towards or renewing your AHIP or would just like to find out how to get involved in the interesting MCRML projects, please visit http://nnlm.gov/mcr/advocacy