Abstract

Consumers need access to information and resources about genetic information in a manner that is understandable. Librarians working with the public need to be aware of the issues surrounding genetics and resources to assist patrons in locating and evaluating sometimes complex and confusing information. This class explores basic concepts such as genes and chromosomes and offers an overview of genetic disorders, genetic testing, genetic counseling, and the Human Genome Project. Ethical and legal issues associated with genetic disorders will be covered with regard to privacy, discrimination, and potential legislative impact on medicine and society. A variety of reliable health information resources will be demonstrated, including, but not limited to: Genetics Home Reference, ClinicalTrials.gov, NORD (National Organization for Rare Disorders), and MedlinePlus. This 4-hour hands-on class is intended for consumers, public librarians, and health sciences librarians who work with the public.

Course Materials

Course Agenda
Course Powerpoint Presentation (423kb, rev: Jan 24, 2008)
Course Script (89kb, rev: Apr 16, 2007)
Web Resources
Additional Reading

Continuing Education

Upon successful completion of this class, each participant will receive 4 hours of continuing education credit awarded by the Medical Library Association. Certificates will be delivered through the mail at a later date.

Instructors:

Midcontinental Region

Dana Abbey, Consumer Health and Colorado Liaison, dana.abbey@uchsc.edu, 303-315-4875

Siobhan Champ-Blackwell, Community Outreach Liaison, siobhan@creighton.edu, 402-280-4156

Middle Atlantic Region

Arpita Bose, Acting Associate Director; Outreach and Communications Coordinator, arpita.bose@med.nyu.edu, 212-263-4176

New England Region

Michelle Eberle, Consumer Health Information Coordinator, Michelle.Eberle@umassmed.edu, 508-856-2435

Pacific Northwest Region

Gail Kouame, Consumer Health Coordinator, gmarie@u.washington.edu, 206-221-3449

Pacific Southwest Region

Kelli Ham, Consumer Health Coordinator, kkham@library.ucla.edu, 310-825-1984

South Central Region

Michelle Malizia, Associate Director, michelle.malizia@exch.library.tmc.edu, 713-799-7880

Ruicha Mishra, Health Professionals Outreach Coordinator, ruicha.mishra@exch.library.tmc.edu, 713-799-7182

Karen Vargas, Consumer Health Outreach Coordinator, karen.vargas@exch.library.tmc.edu, 713-799-7198

Southeastern Atlantic Region

Terri Ottosen, Consumer Health Coordinator, tottosen@hshsl.umaryland.edu, 410-706-2855

Sheila Snow-Croft, Outreach Education Coordinator, ssnowcro@hshsl.umaryland.edu, 410-706-2855

Developer

Terri Ottosen is the Consumer Health Outreach Coordinator for the NN/LM Southeastern Atlantic Region.