No. 74 Winter 1999
MIDLINE
Message from the President
by Sandra Martin / 1999 Midwest Chapter President
The time has come to pay the piper. I'm trying to find just the right words to carry our chapter
through the coming year. As with most resolutions and some promises, the moment comes to
finally accomplishing what seemed a "good idea at the time." So with visions of a stern pied piper
in mind, I sat looking at a almost blank computer screen, because I promised I would. Adding to
the mounting pressure is the fact that 1999 not only signals the end of the century, but the
beginning of a new millennium. A period so greatly anticipated that, already, we've seen signs that
the whole world is setting the stage. We may have even asked the questions, "where will you be
New Year's Eve or what are you doing for the millennium?" We've been bombarded by so many
challenges: Y2K, technology, e-monographs, mergers and downsizing, just plain old Mother
Nature along the way and we're so focused on what's ahead we've forgotten Y99. Let's just stop a
minute, take a deep breath, and think about a more practical question: How are we going to spend
this year? What can we do this year to set the stage for the next?
The Executive Board spent some time discussing this question at our Fall meeting and developed
some exciting goals for 1999: Use the listserv to determine user needs and publish articles in
response; Investigate new CE programming and program delivery, including a librarians
"exchange for a day" program; Promote Midwest Chapter members and through awards and
recognition; Review organizational expenses and dues structure. A crucial piece is missing --
YOU. The Board wants to be extremely responsive to your needs because Y2K or not the fact
remains that membership makes Midwest Chapter great. Your willingness to work together and
to share your opinions, ideas, goals and expertise with other members is what's needed to carry
success and vitality of MLA's largest chapter into the next century.
I hope those of you who have contributed in the past will continue and I encourage those of you
who haven't to get involved. Help Midwest Chapter prepare for the new millennium. Let's get
ready together.
Update Your Bookmarks!
The new Midwest Chapter URL is...
http://midwestmla.org
See inside MIDLINE for more details!
New Member Profiles
by Lori Green, MIDLINE Contributor
The following are brief biographies of our new Chapter members:
Judith L. Dzierba
Judith currently serves as the cataloging librarian at the Library of Rush University,
Rush-Presbyterian-St.Luke's Medical Center. Her responsibilities include supervising the
cataloging section staff and directing sectional activities, which include copy and original
cataloging of books, audiovisuals, and other forms of materials. Judith received her BS in medical
technology from D'Youville College in Buffalo, New York, and her graduate degree from the
School of Information and Library Studies at the State University of New York at Buffalo. A
native of New York, Judith enjoys reading fiction, baking, taking long walks, and traveling.
Charlotte M. Sievert
Kent State University, School of Library Science graduate, Charlotte is the medical librarian at
Morris Medical Library (Barberton Citizens Hospital) in Barberton, Ohio. Here she provides
reference, circulation, interlibrary loan, collection development and acquisitions services, in
addition to the administration of the library. Charlotte graduated from Malone College in Canton,
Ohio, with a major in communications and a minor in Christian ministries. During her spare time,
you may find Charlotte playing with pets, participating in church activities, or attending fine arts
events.
Christine D. Franke
Christine is the Associate Director for Information Services of Rush University Rush-
Presbyterian-St.Luke's Medical Center in Chicago, where she oversees reference, collection
development, cataloging, educational technology center and LAN administration. Chris majored
in English Literature at the State University of New York at Buffalo, before receiving her
graduate degree from SUNY. A Buffalo native, Chris stays busy with her two children.
Kate Marie Quackenbush
As a Computer Systems Consultant II at the PHISA Public Health Library at the University of
Michigan in Ann Arbor, Kate provides desktop support for 540 machines at the School of Public
Health, and supervises three Help Desk employees. Kate also assists with bibliographic instruction
and holds several library committee seats. A Ferris State University graduate, she looks forward
to spending more time outdoors after graduation from Wayne State University in late 1999 or
early 2000.
P. Scott Lapinski
Scott is the digital services librarian, who provides support for the library's automated systems and
development at the Medical College of Ohio in Toledo. A graduate of the University of
Massachusetts, Amherst, with a degree in art history, Scott received his library degree from
Simmons College in Boston. Scott explained that, "The one consistent experience I got pursuing
my many interests was how to find more information. Becoming a librarian became a natural
career choice." He devotes much of his free time to his classical and jazz record collection.
Upcoming Meetings and Events
April 11-17, 1999
National Library Week
April 26-28, 1999
Intranets + Libraries '99
San Francisco, CA
http://www.onlineinc.com
May 14-20, 1999
MLA Annual Conference
Chicago, IL
http://www.mlanet.org
June 5-10, 1999
SLA Annual Conference
Minneapolis, MN
http://www.sla.org
October 1999
National Medical Librarians Month
October 6-9, 1999
Midwest Chaper/MHSLA
Grand Rapids, MI
Midwest Chapter ListServ
Reminder
To post a message to the listserv, type your message (including a subject line) and send it to:
midwest@uic.edu. To send other commands or to subscribe to the listserv, send messages to:
listserv@uic.edu
News @ MIDLINE
Send any newsworthy item for the MIDLINE Spring issue to the editor, Deborah Sobczak. The
deadline for articles is April 15, 1999.
Membership News
>From Kay Wagner:
I've made a decision to leave Gundersen Lutheran and travel back to my home state of South
Dakota. I have a wonderful career opportunity with the University of South Dakota School of
Medicine. My last day at Gundersen Lutheran will be February 5, 1999. The decision to leave was
not an easy one. I have lived in Wisconsin since 1977-including eight years in Madison. I started
at Lutheran Hospital 14 years ago in February 1985!
After March 1st you can find me at the Wegner Health Science Information Center, 1400 West
22nd Street, Suite 100, Sioux Falls, SD 57105 (605) 357-1400. The web page is
http://www.usd.edu/med/wegner. The Center is named for Dr. Karl & Mary Jo Wegner who have
made significant contributions to medicine, the University and the community. Dr. Wegner served
as the first dean of the four-year USD School of Medicine.
The Wegner Center currently operates with a staff of 10 FTE plus students. The Center opened in
January 1998 and provides services for 10 partner institutions located in southeast South Dakota.
The facility has three levels and 22,000 square feet of space with a capacity for 100,000 volumes,
100 individual study station and 70 computer workstations. My role as Assistant Professor will be
Wegner Center Director.
Spring Board Meeting
March 19, 1999
Radisson Hotel & Suites
160 E. Huron Street
Chicago, IL 60611
Contact Sandra Martin or your Rep-At-Large
Consumer Health Web Sites: MEDLINEplus and AMA Health Insight
by Mary Taylor / MIDLINE Contributor
According to the NLM's press release about MEDLINEplus (1998), "...informed consumers are
better patients but have varied health information needs."
MEDLINEplus (http://medlineplus.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus) is a directory that meets the implied
goal of helping consumers with different needs by linking to basic information resources as well as
providing access to search databases for patrons looking for peer-reviewed research articles.
The site's major categories include, "Health Topics," "Dictionaries," "MEDLINE," "Search
Databases," "Organizations," "Directories" (including AMA's PhysicianSelect), "Publications and
News," and "Libraries" that post online consumer health information.
The "Health Topics" category currently has 52 links to information about general and specific
conditions, but according to NLM's press releases (1998), hundreds of topics eventually will be
included. A unique feature of MEDLINEplus is that each "Health Topics" page contains durable
links to PubMed search queries for articles in the last three months on the topic. The consumer
only has to click on the type of search desired, and it is automatically run and displayed. There is
also a link to the "Free MEDLINE" page or another appropriate database if consumers want to
try their own queries.
Consumer health NLM/NIH materials are listed alphabetically, and then resoures from many
sources are listed by subtopic. Links to clinical trials databases are included where appropriate,
and available Spanish language information is included.
The sources are reputable, and include the NIH and other government sites, Mayo Clinic Health
Oasis, AMA Health Insight, New York State Department of Health, Tufts University Nutrition
Navigator, etc.
The currency of the information varies. For example, in the drug abuse category, it is interesting
to note that 1989 information on drug addiction during pregnancy from the NCADI/NIDA was
included as was NIDA's 1998 "Treatment Methods for Women." Some of the non-government
sites may not include posting and/or revision dates. While older material isn't necessarily
out-moded, consumers should be warned to check dates.
The MEDLINE category links to a NLM page that describes and links to both PubMed and
Internet Grateful Med. The "Search Databases" page contains links to NLM/NIH databases
(AIDSLINE, PDQ, etc.) alphabetically by title, other Federal Government resources
(Healthfinder, ERIC), and other consumer health sites (Mayo Clinic Health Oasis, OMNI, NOAH,
AMA Health Insight, etc.). Consumers will probably need help searching these databases.
The site is easily navigable. A navigation bar on the left of each page contains links to the major
categories. All links are briefly described with phrases or 1-2 sentences, using language that a
consumer would understand. There is a keyword search function. Information for using the search
function displays if the search was not productive, but a "Help" link to this information from the
navigation bar next to the Search form would be helpful.
A disclaimer is given, stating that the purpose of the site is to provide information and not to
replace advice from a health professional. Contact information is given. A "Contact NLM" link
appear on the navigation bar of each page, while the URL for and a link to the NLM homepage
appear on each category page. This may be confusing for consumers who print off a page and try
to get back to MEDLINEplus. However, there is a link to MEDLINEplus from the NLM home
page.
The mission of the AMA Health Insight (http://www.ama-assn.org/consumer.htm) page is to
improve "the health of Americans" and to "educate, provide scientifically accurate information,
provide links to proven health care resources, and develop patient-doctor relationships."
AMA Health Insight primarily contains original content created for the site or for other AMA
publications, including the "JAMA Patient Page" and "The AMA Complete Guide to Women's
Health." The site states that all posted material has been reviewed by "medical experts in their
respective medical specialties." The sponsors of this site are the American Medical Association
with administrative support and office space from the Loma Linda University School of Public
Health. Emory Healthcare funds the "Medical News" section with an unrestricted grant. The
"KidsHealth" section was developed by the Nemours Foundation.
Sections include, "Specific Conditions," "Family Focus," "General Health," "Interactive Health,"
"Medical News" (Reuters Newsfeed for the last week, the AMA, and RealAudio News), and links
to "Doctor Finder" (AMA Physician Select), and "Hospital Finder" (Hospital Select).
"Specific Conditons" and "Real Patient Cases" pages contain information based on the "Clinical
Crossroads" feature in JAMA. These sections have been rewritten in a consumer-friendly
language, with questions from "Ask the Medical Expert" section answered at the end. "Family
Focus" categorizes information into Women's Health, Men's Health, Adolescent Health and
KidsHealth. Consumers can join the KidsHealth Club to receive customized age-specific
information about their child's health and weekly pediatrics medical news bulletins.
The General Health section contains information about nutrition, antibiotics, travel health, fitness,
medical tests, and choosing a health plan. Other interesting links can be found: a medical glossary,
"doctor, hospital, and medical group practice finders," a human atlas, the Interactive Health
Category containing modules such as the Personal Nutritionist which rates your nutritional habits,
the Healthy Weight to measure your Body Mass Index (BMI), the Personal Trainer to help you
develop a fitness program, and the Personal/Family History to help you create a confidential
history you can print.
The site is free and up-to-date.
New Midwest Chapter URL
http://midwestmla.org
The Chapter web site moved to its new home at the NN/LM Greater Midwest Region and we've
registered our own domain name. As with most web sites, it is "under construction." Email
comments and suggestions to midwest- @uic.edu.
GMR Web Hosting Service
or Email Discussion Group
The NN/LM Greater Midwest Region would be happy to host your health science library
organization web site or email discussion group. They can register your domain name, help with
web site maintenance, assist with administration of your email discussion group, and more. They
provide services to groups of any size, from health science library consortia to regional
associations. For more information, email your GMR State Contact Librarian at gmr@uic.edu or
call 1-800-338-7657.
MHSLA Announces Electronic
Journal Club
Any current MHSLA (Michigan Health Sciences Libraries Association) member can now
participate in a journal club without having to drive to a location at a prearranged time. The
MHSLA Technology Committee has put in place conferencing software, called Web Crossing, for
electronic journal club discussion. Participants can earn MLA continuing education credits in a
6-month period if the journal club follows MLA guidelines.
The MLA Journal Club Guidelines may be viewed from the MHSLA web site. All members need
is access to a computer connected to the Internet and a web browser. The URL for MHSLA's
web site and electronic journal club is http://www.lib.msu.edu/mhsla/.
Chapter Uniform Needs Assessment Continuing Education Survey
The CE Survey was distributed to Midwest Chapter members in 1998 Fall issue of MIDLINE. The Survey was developed by the MLA Continuing Education Committee to be used in planning future CE opportunities. Of 475 members, only 38 responded or an 8% return rate. A summary of some of the survey questions and the responses follows:
Q: In what type of library do you work? 23 hospital, 13 academic, 2 others.
Q: How valuable are the Chapter's CE programs? 12 very, 19 moderately, 6 other.
Q: Factors influencing decision to attend a CE course: 31 respondents indicated location as either very important or important. 31 respondents also indicated course content being very important or important. 21 respondents indicated registration fee as a very important or important factor.
Q: Which methods of CE training do you prefer? 18 responded "hands-on training" was the most preferred method. The seminar style and teleconference each had 10 responses for the second and third preference.
Q: At the annual meeting, when is the best time to attend a CE course? 15 responded before the meeting and 14 responded either before or after and 9 indicated depended on the content.
Q: Indicate which length is preferred for a CE course: 19 indicated it depended on content and 14 indicated 4 hours was about right.
Q: What time of year is preferred for attending a CE Course other than at the annual meeting? 12 indicated March, 11 indicated April, and 10 indicated February.
Q: Which day of the week is preferred? Friday received the most responses (26). Monday and
Thursday were a distant second and third.
Lexington '98 Wrap Up
by Sheryl Stevens MIDLINE Contributor
Lexington, Kentucky, and the Conference Planning Committee of "Weaving Our Future '98" cordially welcomed 267 members of the Midwest and Southern Chapters of the Medical Library Association to the Chapters' 1998 joint meeting, held last October 10-13, at the Radisson Plaza Hotel. The program was packed with fresh and informative content, focusing on how aspects of today's environment and the past interweave to provide a glimpse of the future. Among the many highlights: an outstanding keynote address
-
"Weaving Our Past Into Our Future" - by Dan Gahl of the University of Cincinnati Medical
Associates; an exceptionally relevant and practical plenary session - "Quality Customer Service -
You CAN Get There From Here" - by Barbara White from Lexington Community College; and a
nostalgic and enjoyable panel presentation - "Threads of the Past" - that looked back at the history
of both Chapters and provided some thoughts for the future. The "Weaving Our Future Craft
Fair" - a first-of-its-kind event for Midwest Chapter attendees - and the concurrent paper
presentations also proved especially popular and practical. In addition to a packed program, the
conference also featured a variety of entertainment events (both official and unofficial!), and most
attendees somehow managed to squeeze in just a little time for some fun. The Welcome
Reception at the Lexington Children's Museum, "Old Kentucky Night" at the Kentucky Horse
Park, and the restaurant, "Dine Arounds" were big hits; many attendees also enjoyed the side
visits to historic Shakertown, the Berea Crafts Festival, and Keeneland Race Track.
Congratulations and thanks to the Conference Planning Committee Chairs: Jane Bryant (KY);
Janice Kelly (NN/LM SE Atlantic Region); Rosalind Lett (GA) and Deb Ward (MO). See you in
Grand Rapids!
Bridging Traditions 1999
A Preview...by Sheryl Stevens/MIDLINE Contributor
"Bridging Traditions" is the theme of this year's annual meeting of the Midwest Chapter/Medical
Library Association, set for Wednesday, October 6 through Saturday, October 9 at the Amway
Grand Hotel in Grand Rapids, Michigan. While looking to the future, the conference will also help
celebrate the past by marking the 50th anniversary of the Chapter.
Speakers tentatively include Michelle Bowman, who will talk about "futuring" i.e., how to get people and institutions to plan and think about the future of their organizations. Michelle has a degree in Futures studies. Also on the agenda is Douglas Van Houweling, who will talk about the the Internet II and the future of the Internet. Also on hand will be Richard Wiggins and Chuck Severance, hosts of a local technology show on cable TV. Other events on the agenda are: a journal futures panel, two contributed paper sessions, exhibits, posters, and updates from the Greater Midwest Region (GMR) of the National Networks of Libraries of Medicine and MLA. Continuing education courses will include "Licensing Electronic Resources" and "Working Together: Librarians and Information Technology." The latter is being sponsored by the GMR and will be simultaneously broadcast to other sites in the region. The Michigan Health Sciences Libraries Association (MHSLA) is hosting the meeting. Program planners are developing a Web site (http://www.lib.msu.edu/mhsla) which will be continuously updated as the program details are finalized. Additional courses are being scheduled. Please plan on joining your colleagues for what promises to be an exciting and memorable. More conference details in the forthcoming Spring issue of MIDLINE