Director’s Musings

Barbara Epstein, Director

On April 9-10, 2013, MAR sponsored a workshop on research data management for librarians from academic resource libraries in our region.  The program, held  at University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, was taught by Elaine Martin, Donna Kafel and Andrew Creamer from the Lamar Soutter Library at the University of Massachusetts Medical School.  The workshop planning task force, drawn from members of the MAR Resource & Academic Libraries Special Advisory Group, included Renae Barger, Missy Harvey and Barbara Epstein from MAR; Marie Ascher from New York Medical College; Julia Sollenberger from University of Rochester; Melissa Ratajeski from University of Pittsburgh; and Barbara Cavanaugh from University of Pennsylvania.

MAR Highlights

Renae Barger, Executive Director

On April 8, NN/LM MAR partnered with the NJ State Library, LibraryLinkNJ, and New Jersey Library Association (NJLA) to sponsor a disaster summit. The event, “Ports in a Storm: Libraries as Community Partners in Emergency Response,” took place in Eatontown, NJ and was attended by over 120, mostly public librarians with additional representation from medical and academic libraries. A few librarians brought a community official such as a mayor or a member of a local community group with disaster-related responsibilities.

Member Spotlight

Priscilla Stephenson, AHIP
Chief, Library Service/Medical Media
Philadelphia VA Medical Center

One of the best aspects about being a health sciences librarian has been the regular opportunity, perhaps even requirement, to learn about new technology.  When I reflect on the changes in library technology over my career, I’m amazed at the speed of all these changes.  It hasn’t been all that long ago since we were typing catalog cards!

Sharing & Caring

Michelle Burda, Network and Advocacy Coordinator

The National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS) and the National Library of Medicine (NLM), Division of Specialized Information Services will be announcing the release of the new Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD).  The existing NLM database Dietary Supplements Labels Database will be removed.

Consumer Connections

Lydia Collins, Consumer Health Coordinator

I’m sure after this long, cold winter many of you are just as excited as I am about the warm weather ahead.  Spring has arrived and summer is almost here!   As you know NN/LM MAR network members come from a variety of organizational types.  We have libraries (academic, hospital, public, school, and special), community- and faith-based organizations, public health departments, K-12 schools, and the list goes on.

Out and About

Kate Flewelling, Outreach Coordinator

So, you have a great idea for a project.  You’ve done some initial planning and assessment:  http://nnlm.gov/mar/funding/planning.html.  Now, you need funding to make it happen!  Here are some resources to help you find the right funder for your project.

NN/LM and Government Funding

CyberCast

Missy Harvey, Technology and Communication Coordinator

The National Network of Libraries of Medicine (NN/LM) has identified the need to enhance outreach to community college librarians because of the important role they play in the training and development of the allied health professions.  In Spring 2012 an NN/LM nationwide task force conducted interviews to learn more about this target population.  They developed strategies to target outreach to community college librarians beginning mid-2013.

Interview Lessons
The Task Force sought to improve their understanding of health information use and the needs of community college librarians, students, and faculty.  Interview results showed a number of examples of departments involving librarians and integrating library instruction into their curricula.  Most examples referred to collaborations with nursing departments.  Many librarians, but not all, used PubMed and MedlinePlus, as well as CINAHL.  Other lessons learned included:

• Visit our Training website for updates and more details for these events:

Event:  The Science of Your Neighborhood Environmental Health Program (Training)
Presenter:  Lydia Collins, Consumer Health Coordinator
Date:  May 1, 2013
Location:  Philadelphia, PA

Event:  Critical Path Project Philadelphia FIGHT/ AIDS Library of Philadelphia (Training)
Presenter:  Lydia Collins, Consumer Health Coordinator
Date:  May 1, 2013
Location:  Philadelphia, PA

Event:  2013 Medical Library Association (Poster Session)
Presenters:  Kate Flewelling, Outreach Coordinator
Date:  May 3-8, 2013
Location:  Boston, MA