Leigh Mihlrad
Systems & Technology Librarian
Schaffer Library of Health Sciences
Albany Medical College
Albany, NY

A variety of Internet-based office products, such as Google Docs (http://docs.google.com), Zoho (http://www.zoho.com), and Microsoft Office Live (http://workspace.officelive.com) have popped up to challenge traditional desktop-based office products. While not new, they are developing new features that might pose a threat to more established (and expensive) products like Microsoft Office, as least for some. All are still in beta format, and are works in progress.

The best way to learn is by trying them out. All are free, though require registration. Sampling both desktop and Internet varieties gives you an idea of the pros and cons of each, as well as what kinds of projects each might be good for. Practicing with test files or other non-crucial material is advised. Try setting up margins, adding colors, changing presentation templates, etc. to see how things work.

As an Office 2007 user, the biggest thing I noticed is that most of the Internet products do not yet let you upload Office 2007 documents. In Word 2007, file names end in “docx” (as opposed to “.doc” in previous verstions). Not surprisingly perhaps, Microsoft Office Live permits this. When trying to upload a .docx file in Google Docs, the system tells you that this file extension is not supported. This leaves the only option as saving the file in the older Word file extension, and uploading it that way. Zoho.com lets you export Office 2007 files from their site but not import them.

Internet-based products seem well-suited for collaborative projects, as they allow you to easily add collaborators. This permits easier editing than if doing them in Office, where one might e-mail a file back and forth. In some cases chat windows are also available, so you can talk to collaborators while working on a project. Expect fewer layout bells and whistles though. Fonts are limited, as are things such as bullet types and symbols. When I exported a file from Microsoft Office to Zoho, I found that many of my layout choices did not transfer over. I had to redo some of the bullet points and fonts. However, the content was all still there. The files also save a bit slower than they do when working in Microsoft Office.

Changes are afoot to bring the Internet products even closer to their desktop peers. Not long ago, you had to be logged onto the site to work on your files. Now, you can work on them even while “offline.” The spreadsheet products feature pivot tables. Most of the products also have their own blogs to alert users of new features.

As they offer fewer bells and whistles, I also found many of the Internet products easier to use for a beginner. Whereas PowerPoint might intimidate some, the Internet-based versions are more “click and add.” One could likely prepare a presentation or spreadsheet with very little prior experience.

Being relatively new products, things are not perfect with the Internet suites. Occasionally I experienced bugs, and the Microsoft versions certainly offer more layout choices. If one wants vast layout or customization options, then they might want to stick with the desktop versions. Privacy is also an issue, as desktop files appear safer, being saved on one’s computer or flash drive instead of another company’s server. However, Internet-based office products keep improving and offer more flexibility. They are certainly worth considering.

MedlinePlus has released a multilingual feature, providing access to high quality health information in languages other than English and Spanish. This new service, linked from the MedlinePlus homepage and available directly at http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/languages/languages.html, benefits people who prefer to read consumer health information in their native language. It also helps the information professionals and health care providers who serve them.

The new collection contains over 2,500 links to information in more than 40 languages and covers nearly 250 Health Topics.

Users can navigate the new collection of health information in multiple languages either by language or by topic. In addition, a languages box with a list of language names displays on the English Health Topic pages. The language names link to information on MedlinePlus in multiple languages for that topic

You can also use the MedlinePlus search tool to find these pages. A new collection called Multiple Languages appears in the MedlinePlus search results.  Look for an update to the MedlinePlus Search Tips in the near future.

In addition, an interactive world map teaches users about the number of people who speak nine of the languages in the MedlinePlus collection.

The MedlinePlus collection of health information in multiple languages is not meant to be comprehensive. Instead, as with our English and Spanish collections, MedlinePlus staff selects materials according to our quality guidelines. We also follow quality guidelines that are specific to the new collection.

NLM welcomes your comments and suggestions about MedlinePlus. A “Contact Us” link appears at the top of every MedlinePlus page.

The National Network of Libraries of Medicine, Middle Atlantic Region (NN/LM MAR) is pleased to announce the awarding of MicroAwards to the following network members:

Shelly Warwick
Touro-Harlem Medical Library, New York, NY
Project: Library Branding Design Project

Nancy Glassman
D. Samuel Gottesman Library, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY
Project: Let Me Show You How It’s Done (Glance subscription)

Peter Cole
St. Michael’s Medical Center - Aquinas Medical Library, Newark, NJ
Project: National Evidence-Based Practice Conference (presentation)

The Small Project Awards are small awards of up to $1,000 awarded to network members to enhance their services and provide seed money for ongoing or one-time projects through the purchase of displays, brochures, presentations, materials, equipment, supplies, or presentation of small programs.

Small Project Awards are currently available and will be awarded until funds are depleted. Small Project Award applications are reviewed in-house by RML staff, with notification of award given 10 days from receipt of a complete application.

Apply online at: http://nnlm.gov/mar/funding/microawards.html Questions?
Call or email Arpita Bose at 1.800.338.7657 or bose at library.med.nyu.edu

Mark your MLA calendar for the launch of the Middle Atlantic Region Strategic Plan!

Based on feedback from network member libraries in Delaware, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania, and with the endorsement of the Regional Advisory Committee, the National Network of Libraries of Medicine (NNLM) Middle Atlantic Region (MAR) is pleased to invite MLA attendees to the launch of our Strategic Program Plan for Member Participation. Please join Karen Brewer, Director of NN/LM MAR, and members of the RML staff for this informative and celebratory launch. Attendees will receive a pocket copy of the plan and our brand new MAR eco-friendly bag.

Date: Sunday, May 18/08
Time: 8:00 a.m. -9:00 a.m.
Place: Hyatt Regency Hotel, Hong Kong room, Gold level, West Tower

For those who cannot attend, the full version of the plan is available on the NN/LM MAR website, http://nnlm.gov/mar/about/plansreports.html

Against the Odds: Making a Difference in Global Health.

A new exhibit at the National Library of Medicine

Located on the campus of the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland (just outside of Washington, DC), the exhibit examines the revolution in global health taking place in towns and cities around the world. Communities, in collaboration with scientists, advocates, governments, and international organizations, are working on an international level to investigate complex global health issues, ranging from community health and conflict to disease and discrimination.

Free of charge and open to the public, this exhibition introduces some of the scientists, advocates, communities, and organizations who have made a difference—working together, against the odds, for the benefit of all.

Prior to the public opening on April 17^th, the Library held an opening program featuring a global health panel moderated by CNN medical correspondent Elizabeth Cohen featuring young activists and health advocates featured in the exhibit. A webcast of the panel is available for viewing here: http://videocast.nih.gov/Summary.asp?File=14435

The approximately 4,000 square foot exhibit is comprised of six different sections including:

• Food for Life; Brazil and its citizens are featured in this area of the exhibit as the country is currently facing an epidemic of obesity as well as a lingering crisis of hunger and malnutrition.
• Action on AIDS; In the face of discrimination, negligence, stigma, and ignorance, advocates for health and human rights have fought against the spread of the disease.
• An End to Violence; Physicians and campaigners have used evidence gathered by medical personnel and the testimony of witnesses to highlight the terrible toll of warfare. This work has led to treaties banning the use of landmines and agreements against nuclear weapons testing.

Additional information about the exhibit, including directions and docent-led tour information can be found at www.nlm.nih.gov/againsttheodds.

The exhibit web site also contains interactive features for those not able to visit such as:

• Games and instructional resources for middle- and high-school students and educators
• Global health perspective database, where readers can join in the dialogue on global health issues
• Monthly columns from global thought leaders reflecting on current events, key issues, or historical milestones in global health

The May issue of NIH News in Health, the monthly newsletter bringing you practical health news and tips based on the latest NIH research, is now online at http://newsinhealth.nih.gov/. In this issue of NIH News in Health:

Frightened of Food
Living with Food Allergies
Imagine what life would be like if you had to constantly check out the ingredients in your favorite foods to make sure your life wasn’t in danger after eating even a tiny bit. For some people with severe food allergies, that’s become their way of life.

Of Air and Asthma
Air Pollution’s Effects
A growing number of Americans are sniffling and suffering with allergies and asthma. If you’re 1 of the 23 million Americans who suffer from asthma, you might get some relief by taking steps to reduce indoor allergen levels and modifying your lifestyle to avoid the ill effects of air pollution.

Health Capsules:

• Keeping Off Lost Weight
• Older Corneas Can Make Good Transplants
• Featured Web Site: Gear Up!

Click here to download a PDF version for printing.

Subscribe to receive email alerts when new issues of NIH News in Health are posted by going to https://list.nih.gov/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=nihnewsinhealth-l&A=1.