National Library of Medicine Search Widget

I just added a search widget for the National Library of Medicine to the side of the page. It was created by Guus van den Brekel based on some whining I posted here and then a request I made for him to modify one of his widgets from his NLM Toolbars blog.

As background you might want to know that the National Library of Medicine has over 100 databases. I think that's alot for one organization but maybe not. They have so many database that some of them have retired.

You'll be happy to know, however, that the NLM has recognized that this could be a bit overwhelming and they have created the NLM gateway. This is a search interface that will look at 16 of their most popular databases all at once and then give you the results from each database. They even break down the results into "Bibliographic Resources" which apparently means it's used more for research purposes; "Consumer Health Resources" which is where most of us will want to go first; and "Other Information Resources".

To check it out just type in what you are searching for (e.g. "acne") and click on the search button. Thanks Guus!

[NOTE: I removed the whining post because it was irrelevant and made me look silly after Guus created another widget so quickly. Some of the comments refer to the other post.]

Power to the People

I think I am now addicted to Rollyo. That's OK though, because I just created a customized search on alternative health. It's called Health and Wellness. I'll just type in "addiction" and I have all of the information I need to safely and effectively overcome my new life challenge.

These Rollyo searches are easy to edit too. If you know of a website I missed that should be included in this list, send me a note.

Rollyo and the Annoyed Librarian

Wow - I have been having the best time using rollyo.com and perusing the Annoyed Librarian postings about privacy. Such fun!

Rollyo is a great idea. You can "roll" or create your own customized search engine "using the websites you trust". Use web portals, blogs, whatever you like. And one of the best features is "Explore". If I could re-design their website, I would make this feature one of the highlights of the page. Right now it is on the black header with grey letters.

When get to the "Explore" page, you have some options. Do a search on any topic and you will likely find that someone else has create a rollyo on that topic. There is nothing I like better than benefitting from the work of others. Or you could check out one of the "Most Popular" Rollyo searches. If you like Wikipedia, "The Big Answer Deck" will be great fun for you.

Rollyo's search algorithms may need a bit of tweaking. When I searched the Rollyo called librarianblogs for "privacy", the results that showed up in the results pane were completely irrelevant. Luckily (or possibly by good design) Rollyo displays the websites that were searched in the column on the left. When I clicked individual blogs from the column on the left, I found the results I was looking for - lots of interesting articles on privacy related to libraries, librarians and the Bush Administration.

I then stumbled upon the Annoyed Librarian. She describes herself as, "possibly the most successful, respected, and desirable librarian of her generation." Along with making fun of librarian stereotypes, she makes intelligent comments about almost every aspect of librarianship. And to top it off it's fun to read. Well done!