Refined assessment of NWHRC

There has been some very good assessments done so far by our class on the NWHRC health resource, including broad topic coverage pertaining to women's health, the opportunity to receive additional materials (print and online resources), and that the information offered at this website is easy to understand, with several different ways to obtain that information (column writing, A-Z topical index, etc.).

That being said, I'm curious...are there areas in which this CHI resource is lacking, areas that are weak (or non-existent)?

Please share your thoughts (good and bad)-thanks!

Enjoy the rest of the weekend!

Lynne

NWHRC/Publications Available

I was poking around NWHRC's website a bit tonight, and decided to check out the "Publications and Resources" section. They not only offer a pretty decent cross-section of health topics (although the auto-immune disease pamphlet, while informative, was from 2002), but you can download them, get permission to post the links for the resources, or order the print versions both online or by mail. The publications are free, they charge a small fee for shipping. There is an initial maximum of 500 publications. Depending on space, who helped publish the information (medical staff vs. pharmaceutical companies), and perhaps the type of library, these could be a great informative asset. A wall of pamphlets and flyers allows anonymity, as well as broad informational coverage choices that can be tailored to what patrons might need.

See what you think-this link is specifically for the print order form so you can easily see the choices they offer:

https://www.healthywomen.org/NWHRC_Bulk_Publications_Order_Form.pdf

Take care,
Lynne

Personal Thoughts on the Impact of Libraries/CHI

Well, it's been an interesting week so far-I am hoping I'm done with medical tests for a while, and we can get to the bottom of why I'm anemic.

In the last 2 weeks alone, I've had 4 outpatient medical tests done, including an tendoscope, colonoscopy, bone marrow biopsy and my first experience in having a CAT scan (well, aside from the endoscope-all were first experience. While most weren't horrible, I'm glad to be able to say I'm done (at least for a while).

I'll find out the results of the last tests after Thanksgiving, but so far, we've been able to rule out what it's not-which isn't such a bad thing.
I am an extraordinarily wimpy person, so if any of you wonder about the doability of the medical tests I mentioned, I can tell you-they're doable (not likable, but doable).

You are probably wondering why I'm sharing all of the intimate personal (medical) details of my life-I assure you, I have a focused purpose.

I have been by turns optimistic, depressed, tired, frustrated, thankful (all of you out there that can draw blood, or put in IV's effortlessly-bless you-I mean it...), and sick and tired of chasing down this medical phenomenon...and I bet we have patrons that come into our libraries that feel that way too. Or family members, trying to find information, not sure where to look, but only know they want to help.

Not only do we need to have good solid resources to offer our patrons, but sometimes simply (and I know I'm preaching to the choir here) taking the extra moment to stop and really "be" when helping that patron. And never, ever underestimate the power of kindness and respect-it allows patrons dignity as well as comfort. When these qualities are shared with patrons, they resonate within, they are empowering.

While I never doubted the important role libraries play in the communities they serve, through my own medical journey this semester, I realize to a much greater degree the impact (positive and negative) we can have on our patrons...and that's not a bad thing.

Take care,
Lynne

Womens' Health Resource of the Week: National Women's Health Resource Center

This comprehensive health resource offers information on women's health issues in a variety of forms, including publications, blogs, news articles, columnists, and more. NWHRC is a non-profit organization, and has been in existence for 20 years.

While I could not find a mission statement per se, I did find an explanation of what they stand for:

" NWHRC Stands For:

Quality: In collaboration with the nation's leading health professionals, NWHRC ensures that its information is comprehensive, unbiased, thoughtful, engaging, understandable, timely and relevant.

Independence: NWHRC's information, consumer research and programs are independent of influence from external parties, thereby ensuring their credibility.

Leadership: The NWHRC is at the forefront of identifying cutting-edge and emerging women's health concerns and topics. It conducts national surveys of women to identify health needs, attitudes and behaviors. It strives to be the first to disseminate the most up-to-date women's health information.

Respect: NWHRC respects every woman's right to personal health information and privacy.
Diversity: NWHRC strives to develop and distribute information that reflects the diversity of the population and addresses disparities among women.

Action: NWHRC uses resources to further the organization's mission: enhance awareness about women's health issues, address unmet health information needs and develop outreach programs to reach underserved populations."
( http://www.healthywomen.org/aboutnwhrc)

The "About Us" page is pretty impressive-it offers a detailed listing of the NWHRC's Board of Directors, Staff, Content Review Board, and both the Corporate Advisory Council (lots of pharmaceutical companies here, but they're listed in fairly plain view) as well as a Women's Center Advisory council, which shows affiliations with medical centers, hospitals, and health centers.

The website is easy to navigate, and I especially like that there is an "A-Z" index for health topics as well as a "Publications and Resources" tab. The site is neat, clean, and "makes sense" to me-check out the website, and let me know what you think!

Happy Browsing!
Lynne

MLIS 847 Consumer Health Information/Special Population: Women

Well, here goes...
I'm sure it's apparent that I haven't been back to the blog since last year, but that's ok, the links are still good (though not really CHI related) and I think this is good practice!

Beginning November 18th, we'll be discussing CHI and the special population of women. While having information available for all groups of people is obviously important in library services, I decided to look a bit more into women's issues because:

• There's so much more information available now than there was even 10 years ago, sometimes conflicting
• Women are great consumers of information, but sometimes don't take the time to take care of themselves as well as they take care of others
• Lots of complimentary and alternative medicines (CAM) are highly promoted, including those that may address women's issues, particularly those dealing with hormonal issues
• Having a good cross-section of both CAM and traditional medical information focused on women's issues is a vital librarian's resource tool
  

Until then...
Take care,
Lynne

"Tis the Season (Cookies and Candies, and Drinks Oh My!)

If you're like me, you may have a few special recipes that you drag out once a year or so, usually for the holiday season. They not only represent good eating, but also are staples of the holiday spirit- the condition of the cookbook or recipe cards tell the tale of how much they're loved.

But what if you don't have those recipes? Or want to try something new? What if it's 10:30 P.M., the stores are closed, and you realize that you don't have buttermilk for the recipe that you need the next day?

Here are a few of my favorite cooking links to check out:

allrecipes.com:

Great comprehensive index of recipes that is easy to navigate and can be narrowed down to specific meals, ingredients, and ease of preparation. User ratings are included, but since many of them start off being impressed with the recipe, then often end up talking about how they "tweaked" it, I don't always use that as a credible showing. They even have a Reference link (under Tips and Advice) that offers conversion tables and substitutions (No buttermilk? Instead try 1 cup yogurt OR 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar plus enough milk to make 1 cup).

http://allrecipes.com/Default.aspx

foodnetwork.com:

If you enjoy watching all of the cooking shows on the Food Network, or just want to know what all of the fuss is about (who is Rachael Ray anyway-she's everywhere LOL?!), this is a great site. You can go directly to recipes, which are also ranked by ease of use-very helpful since some of the recipes are fairly complex. If you want the recipe from a show you've seen recently, you can find it here. You can also access show listings, and much much more. I'm partial to Alton Brown's Good Eats, since each episode is a potential science experiment (and tasty too!).

http://www.foodnetwork.com/

The Recipe Link.com:

I've used this website for years-lots of information. Not only individual recipes and forums, but many many links to commercial websites for more recipes. They also have a cool copycat recipe link-so maybe your favorite ribs recipe is listed there. I will tell you that it's not always the easiest to navigate, but since so much information can be found there, I find myself going back time and time again...

http://www.recipelink.com/

And what about drinks...? This time of year, as with other holidays and celebrations, drinks are focused on as well, both with and without alcohol. Where can you get a recipe for a Mojito? A Tootsie-Roll? Spiked Eggnog (maybe the eggnog's not a problem, but what in the heck to you put in it to "spike" it? How do you make non-alcoholic frozen strawberry daiquiris for a gathering? Well, here's a few resources. Note: These links are great resources and recipes, but some of the drink names are not for the shy...consider yourself forewarned:

DrinkStreet.com:

Good comprehensive site, offers tips on how to make drinks and what kind of equipment might be needed or wanted. Offers non-alcoholic recipes as well as recipes categorized by alcohol, type, and name. Good resource.

http://www.drinkstreet.com/

foodnetwork.com and epicurious.com both offer not only cooking recipes and help, but recipes and ideas for drinks and cocktails as well.

http://search.foodnetwork.com/food/recipe/beverages/search.do?N=4294966520

http://www.epicurious.com/recipesmenus/drinks

There's still time left to get that batch of sugar cookies, toffee, or chocolate covered pretzels done! Cook confidently, knowing you have great resources on hand if you get stuck!

November LJ Articles: Thoughts Covering Public Libraries and Privacy Issues. Blogging in the Profession, and Assessing Reference Services...

I just got the November 15th Library Journal late last week, and as usual, I read it cover to cover-I can always find something of interest!
This issue was no exception to the rule-lots of points to think about...

In the LJ News Section; "Do PLs Overvalue Privacy Issues?"

OCLC has released the findings of their international study titled, "Sharing, Privacy, and Trust in Our Networked World" (www.oclc.org/reports/sharing/default.htm).
Noteworthy Quote: "Observed Karen Schneider on her Free Range Librarian blog, “[T]he report stops just short of pointing out what a lot of us muse over privately and publicly...that traditional values about user privacy hold us back from a level of personalized service people increasingly expect.”(Italics mine)

We live in a world where the advances of technology continue to outpace some of the shortcomings or issues that come with it. In the public library arena, there is a fine line between patron confidentiality, freedom of use, and on the other hand, safety nets, such as Internet filtering that can sometimes be too limiting and constrictive Unfortunately, I don't have the magic answer for this impasse, but knowing in concrete terms what OCLC's study results are creates compelling reasons to try to bridge the gap sooner.
http://www.libraryjournal.com/article/CA6497277.html

"Why We Blog" LJ Nov. 15, 2007

Great overall look at blogging, particularly in the library field. What libraries hope to gain by blogging, and the different types of blogs (ex. internal, external-or open to the public) are explored.Gives links to some great academic blogs, too.
Noteworthy Quote:"Terri Bennett, director of the Webster Public Library (WPL), NY, believes blogs have the power to break down the institutional wall between libraries and their community members. “In my view, the more human we look, the more we personalize our services, the more connected we will be to our patrons,” ..." (Italics mine)
http://www.libraryjournal.com/article/CA6497263.html

"The Technology Storm" (The Transparent Library Column)

Discusses the technology issues and roadblocks that can hinder libraries form getting information to their communities. Offers some practical guidelines to keep in mind.
Noteworthy Quote (and link for more information): "OCLC's 2005 report “Perceptions of Libraries and Information Resources” told us a dirty little secret: only one percent of information seekers start with the library web site, preferring easier-to-use web sites, even if the latter don't lead to information of comparable quality." (Italics mine)
http://www.libraryjournal.com/article/CA6497291.html
http://www.oclc.org/reports/2005perceptions.htm

In a comparison spanning over 20 years, there are issues in reference work that still need work, says author David Isaacson in his commentary, "What's Still Wrong with Reference" (From the Backtalk Column)

While progress has been made, Isaacson notes a need for greater interaction with patrons, being more proactive than passive in assisting patrons. Roving reference is one example. He cites several more.
Noteworthy Quote: "We are not dealing with an information illiterate public but one that is more, let's say, information semiliterate than ever. Google and Wikipedia, for example, have conditioned Internet users to getting that quick information fix, so much so that many people don't question the validity, authority, or accuracy of their search results. Responses aren't the same thing as answers." (Italics mine)
http://www.libraryjournal.com/article/CA6497259.html

Let me know what you think, and how your library handles these issues...