Anna Ercoli Schnitzer
InfoPoint Librarian
Health Sciences Libraries
University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, MI

We at the University of Michigan Health Sciences Libraries have been engaging in outreach events practically nonstop since I last blogged. After the Ann Arbor Art Fair, there was a very short lull, and then we had a whole series of opportunities to do outreach. We distributed our pens, brochures, and information about MedlinePlus at an evening support group for amputees sponsored by the Orthotics and Prosthetics Division of the University of Michigan. A few days later, we gave a presentation to “train the trainer” at the Ann Arbor Center for Independent Living, using MedlinePlus “live” from its web site.

After a few days, we returned to the same location to teach a group from the disability community about the advantages of using MedlinePlus, particularly its “Go Local” feature. We have found that members of the audience often pick up on resources they already know that they see in “Go Local” and become more closely engaged with MedlinePlus when they see familiar specifics.

On Sunday, September 7th, for the second year in a row, three other colleagues and I staffed a booth at the 6th annual Kerrytown Bookfest in downtown Ann Arbor. We had visitors to our booth whom we had seen at previous events as well as brand new contacts. The Bookfest always attracts an interesting crowd, so we had a fine time interacting with the people at our booth and providing them with the pieces of information that we thought would be the most pertinent to them.

Finally,  there was a staff recognition celebration at the Main University of Michigan Hospital early in September. Since the event was divided time wise according to the three hospital shifts, we had a chance to present our material three different times, at 5-7 am for the midnight shift; 11-2 for the morning shift; and 5-7 pm for the regular shift. In addition to receiving prizes and playing games, the participants also walked away with our MedlinePlus and PubMed pens, flyers, and information about what our libraries can do to help them. I can honestly say that on this occasion the employees felt proud that they were recognized by their institution, and, in addition, a good time was had by all.

This entry was posted on Friday, October 3rd, 2008 at 1:03 pm and is filed under Consumer Health, General, News from the Region. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.