The Cancer Resource Library at the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center, Christiana Care Health System, Newark, Delaware, has produced a monthly two-page newsletter highlighting new additions to the collection for several years. The newsletter is produced using Word and clip art. Although not sophisticated or professional in appearance, it is a popular item with both patients and staff.

The librarian wanted to update the appearance of the newsletter to something more professional and in keeping with the style of other publications of the cancer center. A Small Projects Award from NNLM/MAR enabled us to purchase QuarkXPress software, the software of choice for many professional publications.

The design of the newsletter now resembles other Cancer Center publications. After our first issue, 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 expanded to four pages. We also are using the software to produce the monthly newsletter for the Wilmington Hospital Library.

The Library also produces over three dozen pathfinders – guides for patients to assist in locating information on specific cancer topics such as breast cancer, sexuality, caregiving, nutrition, etc. These double-sided single sheets, currently 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 coincide with that of the newsletter.

Thanks to NNLM/MAR, our in-house publications now look very professional and attractive. 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 J. Henry, MLS- Junior Board Cancer Resource Library-Helen F. Graham Cancer Center, Newark DE

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