Featured Projects, National Medical Librarians Month, October 2007

Posted by Susan Meyers on October 2nd, 2007 Posted in: News from NLM

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In addition to the many librarians on the National Library of Medicine staff, NLM relies heavily on the work of medical librarians associated with the National Network of Libraries of Medicine, made up of more than 5,800 member organizations. In recognition of National Medical Librarians Month, October 2007, NLM’s Web site is currently featuring links to some great representative projects recently carried out by network members around the country.

NN/LM PNR’s highlighted projects are featured below. Read about projects from all the NN/LM regions at http://www.nlm.nih.gov/lo/profiles07/.

Outreach Program to Underserved Speech Language Pathologists and Audiologists in Southeastern Idaho
Idaho Health Sciences Library
Idaho State University
Pocatello, ID

Project director: Ruiling Guo

A detailed needs assessment of health information skills of Speech Language Pathologists (SLPs) and Audiologists in practice in SE Idaho revealed considerable interest and need for training on principles and application of evidence-based practice (EBP). In response, librarians and faculty from the ISU Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders and Education of the Deaf are partnering with school districts, medical centers, and libraries to provide free workshops on EBP and methods of searching for the best evidence in PubMed and related online sources. SLPs and Audiologists will receive continuing education credit from the American Speech Hearing Language Association, and follow-up support to implement EBP will be provided by ISU and local library contacts. Investigators hope to use this project to launch statewide or regional programs in EBP with the goal of improving patient care for residents with communication disorders.

Information Rx for Cascade County
Great Falls Public Library
Great Falls, MT

Project director: Susie McIntyre

Great Falls Public Library is partnering with community-based health organizations, the Great Falls Clinic, and the local public health jurisdiction to help citizens of Cascade County make more informed health care decisions. The project focuses on health literacy improvement and utilizes the National Library of Medicine/American College of Physicians Foundation Information Rx program materials. Health literacy and information skills development trainings will be offered and a Cascade County Health Commons Website has been developed.

Upper Kittitas County Assessment and Planning Award
Community Health Library
Kittitas Valley Community Hospital
Ellensburg, WA

Project director: Melanie Jones

In preparation for an expected population surge associated with the construction of a major resort in a very rural portion of Central Washington, the Kittitas Valley Community Hospital Community Health Library is conducting a thorough health information needs assessment. The planning and assessment process will provide background information, establishing the level of need for health information expansion into Upper County and will provide the library with critical information on the type of facility or kiosk that will work best to fulfill that need. As part of the process the librarian will collect data on community demographics, health status of the population, barriers to obtaining health information, interest of local medical staff, and will identify potential partner agencies.