PSRML Program Objectives, 2001-2006

The mission of the National Network of Libraries of Medicine (NN/LM) is to advance the progress of medicine and improve the public health by: 1) providing all U.S. health professionals with equal access to biomedical information; and, 2) improving the public's access to information to enable them to make informed decisions about their health. The Program is coordinated by the National Library of Medicine and carried out through a nationwide network of health science libraries and information centers.

As we begin a new contract for NN/LM programs and services in the Pacific Southwest Region, I'd like to review regional plans for enhancing health information access over the next five years. The following summary of our goals and objectives provides a framework for action. Please consult the web site for additional information, including specific objectives by program area [http://nnlm.gov/psr/reports.html], or contact any of us at PSRML [http://nnlm.gov/psr/staff.html].

PSRML goals are:

To develop collaborations with NN/LM libraries to improve access to and sharing of biomedical information resources throughout the nation.
To promote awareness of and access to biomedical information resources for health professionals and the public.
To develop, promote, and improve access to electronic health information resources by network member libraries, health professionals, and organizations providing health information to the public.

In response to the National Library of Medicine's Request for Proposals for NN/LM services, and based on regional feedback and needs assessments during the previous contract, PSRML developed specific program objectives for 2001-2006.

Network Program Objectives

Maintaining a strong regional network structure is at the foundation of our programs to enhance information access. Thus, a major portion of the PSRML plan centers on network programs to serve regional health science libraries. These programs and services include: assessing the needs of health science libraries, offering training and demonstrations of electronic information resources and new information technologies, carrying out the network membership program to recognize and support your contributions (see related article in this issue), implementing the regional document delivery plan, coordinating regional Resource Library contributions, maintaining effective communications, and promoting funding opportunities such as NLM grants and regional subcontracts.

We will continue to publish our electronic newsletter, Latitudes, enhance and update our web site, visit network member libraries, collaborate with the regional Medical Library Association chapters, and participate in regional meetings. While PSRML will maintain a computer training facility at UCLA and will continue to conduct sessions at network member computer facilities, we will also be taking advantage of videoconferencing capabilities and web-based training approaches.

Because your participation and input are vital to the network, we have also developed programs for monitoring and evaluating regional programs and obtaining feedback from users for improving health professional and consumer access to information. We will be adding members to our Regional Advisory Committee, which will meet later in the year, and you will be involved in assessing, testing, and implementing NLM and NN/LM products and services. In partnership with network members, we will ensure a basic level of information services for regional health professionals, including access to information resources and services such as Loansome Doc. PSRML will continue to facilitate collaborations and partnerships between Network libraries and public and other types of libraries.

Outreach Program Objectives

The PSRML outreach program incorporates partnership with Network libraries in promoting awareness, facilitating access, and providing training in the use of health information resources for health professionals and the public. We again will be offering competitive funding support of your outreach projects targeted to underserved health professionals; the public; and public, school, and other librarians and information intermediaries.

PSRML direct outreach services will include training and presentations, as well as exhibits at national, regional, and state conferences of health professionals and of health organizations with a consumer focus. We will also work to identify and resolve inadequacies in Internet connectivity in the region. PSRML will continue efforts to reach underserved health professionals in rural and inner city areas, public health professionals, and special populations. We will work with a variety of intermediaries, including health care providers, public health professionals, public librarians, educators, community organizations, health advocacy groups, faith-based organizations, and self-help groups, to reach members of the public.

All of us at PSRML look forward to continuing our work with you over the next five years! EG

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September/October 2001 volume 10, issue 5

PSRML Program Objectives, 2001-2006

September/October 2001
volume 10, issue 5