The National Library of Medicine will be moving all of its systems, e.g. MEDLINE, DOCLINE, and SERHOLD, to a Web-based environment and is concerned that network member libraries have Internet access as this change occurs over the next few years. The PSRML Internet Connectivity Support Program can help network members get connected to the Internet by providing funding, consultation, and support which will enable them to access National Library of Medicine Internet resources. Details about the Program are listed below.
At no cost to your institution, the PSRML will:
And in return, the Participating Institution agrees to:
Two hospital libraries have already signed-up to participate in the Internet Connectivity Support Program: Washington Medical Center in Culver City, CA and Alhambra Hospital in Alhambra, CA. Both hospitals inaugurated the program by having a PSRML staff member provide a continuing medical education (CME) session about PubMed, Internet Grateful Med and other health/medical resources available through the Internet. These sessions generated a great deal of interest due to the fact that many health professionals are already accessing the Internet from home and are eager to find out what is available and how to use it. We look forward to reports from these sites in future Latitudes issues.
As another way of assisting you, if you are a network member and responded to the survey conducted in the fall of 1997 that you had no Internet connection, a packet from the National Library of Medicine (NLM) and the National Network of Libraries of Medicine (NN/LM) will soon be coming to your library. The materials in this packet will help you in convincing your administrator about the importance of obtaining Internet access.
If you are interested in hearing more about the Internet Connectivity Support Program or already have Internet access and need assistance with developing your skills, please call Judy Consales at 800-338-7657.