The Medical Library Association (MLA) has declared October National Medical Librarians Month. In celebration, the NNLM has spotlighted medical librarian projects across all of the regions, including several right here at MAR.

MAR’s highlighted projects were:

• A Regional Health Unconference:  Brooklyn Public Library, Lisa Chow, NY
• Extending the Reach: Health Information Resources for Unaffiliated Health Professionals: Rochester Regional Library Council (RRLC) with Barbara Ciambor and Linda Cruttenden, NY
• Mid-Atlantic Region Bioinformatics Training for Librarians and Information Specialists: Diane Rein, SUNY Buffalo, NY
• Consortia Purchasing/Electronic Resource Access: Health Science Library Association of New Jersey (HSLANJ), Robb Mackes, NJ
• Increasing Parental Health Literacy to Optimize Pregnancy Outcomes: Drexel University, Lenore Hardy & Prudence Dalrymple,  PA
• Health Literacy First: Delaware County Library System, Helen Subbio, PA

Created by the Center for Public Health Nutrition at University of Washington, Connecting Youth to Quality Health Information  is an interactive lesson plan for school health personnel, educators, and librarians.

 http://depts.washington.edu/uwcphn/qhi/lesson.pdf

It aims to increase high school students’ capabilities to access and evaluate quality health information on the Internet. The lesson plan promotes MedlinePlus  as a recognized resource, and addresses state and national health education standards. In-class activities, handouts, and a homework assignment are included in the lesson plan, which is freely available for use and dissemination.

 The NN/LM PSR recently announced the publication of  Finding Health and Wellness @ the Library: a Consumer Health Toolkit for Library Staff, the result of an ongoing collaboration between the California State Library and NN/LM PSR. 

The Toolkit is divided into six sections which cover all aspects of consumer health information services, including : Core Competencies, Health Resources, Consumer Health Information Services, Technology & Health 2.0, Workplace Wellness, and Resources for Health Care Professionals.   In planning the project, we discussed how we would include a section of health resources that would not replicate MedlinePlus, but could be used as examples of authoritative, quality resources.  After much discussion, we decided to include a health resources section that would focus on prevention, wellness and support resources, with heavy promotion of MedlinePlus and other NLM and NIH resources.

 Contact Kelli Ham, Consumer Health Coordinator, NN/LM PSR  kkham@library.ucla.edu with any questions.

Posted on behalf of Ester Saghafi:

 Certificate of Advance Study in Health Science Librarianship at the University of Pittsburgh: 2011-2012 Cohort

 Applications are now being accepted for the 2011-2012 Certificate of Advanced Study in Health Sciences Librarianship at the University of Pittsburgh.  This yearlong program, beginning in May 2011, provides librarians with in-depth knowledge of the health care environment and advanced skills in managing health sciences collections and resources.  Graduates will be prepared to play a key role in helping clinicians, researchers and healthcare consumers to keep pace with the expanding knowledge base in the health sciences.

 HealthCAS is an online 15-credit post-master’s program offered jointly by the University of Pittsburgh School of Information Sciences and the University’s Health Sciences Library System.  The partnership between an ALA-accredited LIS program and a world-class, dynamic health sciences library offers a unique educational experience.  The HealthCAS curriculum is based on contemporary applications of current information management theories and technologies and the varied and rich experiences that practicing medical librarian instructors bring to the program.

 Please visit http://www.hsls.pitt.edu/healthcas to meet three of the HealthCAS librarian faculty and learn about the courses they are offering.  Advisors will also be available online to answer your questions about this innovative program at the following events.

Upcoming Virtual Open Houses

Tuesday, November 16, 2010 at 12:00-1:00pm      
Wednesday, November 17, 2010 at 7:00-8:00pm

Development of HealthCAS was supported by a grant from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services.  Applicants may apply for full scholarships to support tuition, fees and travel.

 For more information on the program and the application process, visit http://www.ischool.pitt.edu/health/, or e-mail Ester Saghafi, Program Manager, esaghafi@pitt.edu

Registration is open for the James B. Herrick Symposium: 100 Years of Sickle Cell Research, on November 16-17, 2010, at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Bethesda, Maryland.

The trans-NIH symposium will commemorate the 100th anniversary of Dr. James Herrick’s initial description of sickle cell anemia by convening leading sickle cell experts to celebrate research advances and explore promising new scientific opportunities.  The symposium also will provide an opportunity for the NIH to honor the contributions of the many individuals with sickle cell disease who have, through their participation in clinical studies, made progress possible.

For more information, please visit the symposium website,  http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/meetings/James-Herrick-Sicklecell/index.htm, and feel free to forward this message colleagues and friends.

Posted on behalf of Angela Ruffin, PhD, Head, National Network Office, NN/LM.

Posted on behalf of Angela B. Ruffin, PhD, Head,NN/LM National Network Office

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The October issue (http://newsinhealth.nih.gov/) of NIH News in Health, the monthly newsletter bringing you practical health news and tips based on the latest NIH research, is now available at our new, improved website! In this edition:

Mystified by Menopause?
A Major Life Transition
Menopause can be a challenging time, both physically and mentally, for women approaching age 50. Find out what scientists are learning about this important life transition, including some common experiences and ideas for managing symptoms.
Read more about menopause.

The Prostate Prognosis
Don’t Ignore an Uncomfortable Problem
Most men probably don’t like thinking about their prostates, but it’s worth doing once in a while. Problems with the small gland are common in men past the age of 50. The good news is that most prostate conditions can be successfully treated.
Read more about prostate problems.

Health Capsules:

• Virus Linked to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
• Helping Those You Love from Afar
• Featured Web Site: Bone Resource Center

Click here to download a PDF version for printing.

Visit our Facebook wall to suggest topics you’d like us to cover, or start a discussion about how you use the newsletter. We want to hear what you think!

Please pass the word on to your colleagues about NIH News in Health. We are happy to send a limited number of print copies free of charge for display in offices, libraries or clinics. Just email us or call 301-435-7489 for more information.

Harrison Wein, Ph.D., Writer/Editor
National Institutes of Health
Office of the Director, Office of Communications and Public Liaison
Bldg. 31, Rm. 5B64, MSC 2094
Bethesda, MD 20892-2094
Phone:  301-435-7489
Fax:  301-480-4026
E-mail:  weinh@od.nih.gov

The NIH News in Health: http://newsinhealth.nih.gov/

NIH Research Matters (eColumn): http://www.nih.gov/researchmatters/

The Middle Atlantic Region (MAR) of NN/LM is pleased to announce a one day “Foundations of Bioinformatics and Searching” workshop for MAR medical, clinical, hospital, public/consumer health librarians and their managers/administrators/directors. MAR science, engineering and physical sciences librarians working to provide bioinformatics services related to biomedical and preclinical research efforts will also be considered.

The workshop is offered for 8 MLA CE credits.

The instructor is Diane Rein, Bioinformatics and Molecular Biology Information Resources Librarian, Associate Librarian, Health Sciences Library, University at Buffalo Libraries.

Hospital librarians are particularly encouraged to apply.

The workshop will be offered twice: Nov. 5, 2010, Penn Library, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA and April 4, 2011 at the Western New York Library Resources Council, Buffalo, NY.

Registration is open for the Nov. 5, Philadelphia workshop. Scroll to the bottom of the email for the registration form.

WORKSHOP FORMAT AND TOPICS

The aim is to enhance bioinformatics understanding across all products and services for any interested MAR library or librarian. The workshop format is a combination lecture, discussion and hands-on computer workshop. It will cover what bioinformatics is, how it is practiced, introduce bioinformatics resource evaluation and authority, and acquisition of effective bioinformatics search strategies and a working protein/gene/DNA molecular biology vocabulary. No prior knowledge of molecular biology is required.

REGISTRATION AND SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION

Registration is free.

To help defray costs of lodging and travel, applicants may apply for scholarships up to $500. A minimum of 10 scholarships will be awarded/each workshop. Those traveling at a longer distance and hospital librarians will be given higher priority.

If you are intending to register for the Buffalo Workshop in April, 2011, please send an email of interest to Diane Rein at drein@buffalo.edu.

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PHILADELPHIA Nov 5, 2010 Lodging Information and Registration

*************************************************************

The workshop will be held at the Goldstein Electronic Classroom, ground floor of Van Pelt Library, 3420 Walnut Street, Penn Libraries, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia: http://www.library.upenn.edu/access/visitors/visitors.html. Seating is limited to 16 participants. Apply as soon as possible to insure a seat.

For local hotels, see http://www.campustravel.com/university/penn/ and for Bed and Breakfast, http://www.campustravel.com/university/penn.

Please fill out the information requested below and forward to drein@buffalo.edu. Make sure you indicate if you wish to be considered for a scholarship. If so, retain the original receipts for lodging and transportation which will be required to process reimbursement if a scholarship is awarded. Please note that requests for airplane fare reimbursement will be compensated for coach rate.

You will receive a confirmation of your registration request and more detailed information later.

NAME:

JOB TITLE:

LIBRARY AND ORGANIZATION:

STREET ADDRESS:

PHONE:

FAX:

EMAIL:

I AM REQUESTING CONSIDERATION FOR A SCHOLARSHIP, up to $500, to help me defray the costs of transportation and lodging: indicate with a YES or NO

This project has been funded in whole or in part with Federal funds from the National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, under contract No. N01-LM-6-3501 with the New York University School of Medicine.

Helen Tannenbaum

Outreach and Communications Coordinator

The letter below from Stephanie Zaza of the CDC is posted on behalf of Angela Ruffin, Ph.D, Head, National Network Office, NN/LM: 

Dear Colleague,

Please see the attached position announcements for the Director of CDC’s Division of Library Sciences and Services (DLSS).  The Division sits within the Epidemiology and Analysis Program Office (EAPO) which serves CDC staff through a variety of scientific support services, including CDC’s library, the MMWR Series, the Guide to Community Preventive Services, EpiInfo and Outbreak Management System software tools, and an analytic methods consulting and collaborative research unit.  EAPO is organized within the Office of Surveillance, Epidemiology and Laboratory Services (OSELS) – other Program Offices and the National Center for Health Statistics within OSELS similarly provide cross-cutting scientific services to CDC. 

The DLSS Director will lead all aspects of CDC’s library and information center services for CDC scientists and staff, including information center operations, collection acquisition and management, reference research services, library educational and instructional services, library information system and technology management, library marketing services and outreach.  In addition, DLSS has been asked to consider, plan for and implement as possible expansion of library services to external patrons, such as state and local health department staff, academic researchers, and the public. Other future activities might include the creation of a public health history and archival research program that includes the collection and cataloging of non-traditional materials such as taped interviews, internet documents, policy documents and personal papers.

We hope you will consider applying for this exciting opportunity to lead CDC’s Library and Information Center.  The positions will be posted until October 1. (Now October 15)

Merit Promotion Announcement:  HHS-CDC-T1-2010-0809

http://jobview.usajobs.gov/GetJob.aspx?JobID=90810194&JobTitle=Supervisory+Health+Scientist%2c+GS-601-15&sort=rv%2c-dtex&cn=&rad_units=miles&brd=3876&pp=50&fn=4378&jbf574=HE39&vw=b&re=134&FedEmp=Y&FedPub=Y&caller=basic.aspx&ss=0&AVSDM=2010-09-17+00%3a03%3a00

External Announcement:  HHS-CDC-D1-2010-0438

http://jobview.usajobs.gov/GetJob.aspx?JobID=90809789&JobTitle=Supervisory+Health+Scientist%2c+GS-601-15&sort=rv%2c-dtex&cn=&rad_units=miles&brd=3876&pp=50&fn=4378&jbf574=HE39&vw=b&re=134&FedEmp=Y&FedPub=Y&caller=basic.aspx&ss=0&AVSDM=2010-09-17+00%3a03%3a00

Sincerely,

Stephanie Zaza

*****

Stephanie Zaza, MD, MPH, FACPM

Captain, US Public Health Service

Director, Epidemiology and Analysis Program Office

CDC’s Office of Surveillance, Epidemiology and Laboratory Services

From the PubMed for Handlhelds Team:

Does you library provide online access to full text journal articles for mobile devices like smartphones and tablet computers?

We can link queries from PubMed for Handhelds (PMHh) http://pubmedhh.nlm.nih.gov (short url: http://go.usa.gov/xFb) search tools (PICO, askMEDLINE, Journal Browser, Disease Associations) to your library’s journal collection online.  The PMHh interface will look the same, but citations will have a “Get Full Text” link to your electronic journals.  Users outside your network will be required to authenticate before they can access full text, just as they would through your regular PubMed queries.
If you are interested in this service for your handheld and smartphone users, let us know, we will provide you with the URL specific to your library to enable “Get Full Text” services for PubMed for Handhelds resources. We will need your base URL for ‘Outside Tools’ or ‘LinkOut’ to configure your library-specific URL.

Thank you.

PubMed for Handhelds

http://pubmedhh.nlm.nih.gov

http://go.usa.gov/xFb

Here’s yesterday’s announcement from the MedlinePlus Team:

Today, MedlinePlus released 100 new English and Spanish monographs on a broad range of dietary supplements and herbal remedies. The new content is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version (NMCD). Some of the highlights of the new monographs include:

• Descriptions of herbal remedies, dietary supplements, and how they work
• Effectiveness ratings for different indications
• Safety concerns, including special precautions and warnings
• Information on interactions with medications, foods, and other herbs and supplements
• Dosages that have been studied in scientific research
• Extensive lists of references, with links to PubMed
• A “Share” button on each monograph that allows users to easily share the content with friends and family

The content from NMCD replaces the Natural Standard monographs that were previously on MedlinePlus. If you bookmarked any monographs from Natural Standard, MedlinePlus will automatically redirect you to the new information when equivalent content is available. Please review and update your bookmarks.

If you have questions or comments about the new content, please contact the MedlinePlus team by using the “Contact Us” link that appears at the top of every MedlinePlus page.