Global Library of Women's Medicine

This is a resource designed to be used in conjunction with more traditional sources of medical information. The Global Library of Women's Medicine is published by Sapiens Publishing in honor of their deceased daughter Abigail Bloomer.

It is free for everyone and the interactive sections are available to medical professionals and students after registering. The information is peer reviewed and although the peer review process is not as rigorous as a research journal, each article on the site has been read by at least one additional medical professional.

Most of the chapters listed in the main contents on this site were originally published in the 6-volume textbook, Obstetrics and Gynecology, edited by Professor John Sciarra. The contents include "chapters" on gynecology; obstetrics; maternal and fetal medicine; gynecologic oncology; reproductive endocrinology, infertility, and genetics; and fertility regulation, psychosomatic problems, and human sexuality.

Also freely available is a section on safer motherhood.

In the interactive section, which is only available to medical professionals, sections include Laboratory tests, a video library, atlases, and patient information leaflets.

Public Health: The Communication Initiative Network

I'm back to school and back to blogging. I ran across The Communication Initiative Network today and thought it was worth mentioning here. Although it is not a "pure" health site, their site is about social and economic development and I see that as integrally tied in with public health. After all, the site has information about avian flu, AIDS/HIV and polio.

Their web 2.0 use is nicely integrated into the flow of their site and their mission. One example of this is their use of RSS feeds. The most current articles are called "most currently shared knowledge." I can't tell for sure but I think this is a place where their members can post press releases and articles.

They are also using web 2.0 to define their target market. For example, I don't even understand how to answer the poll. They want to know how important a bivalent OPV vaccine is to their community. To answer the poll you need to join the community. To join the community, you need to answer many questions about your organization, it's mission and your role. After that you may or may not be approved to join the community.

For an organization with a specific mission and a narrow target audience, the web 2.0 applications that they have put into place will help them to attract the members that will make a contribution to their mission, not detract from it.

Bravo! More is not always better. If average Joe and average Sue can't really contribute to your mission, you don't want them as members of your social network.

If The Communication Initiative Network wants to expand their public relations a bit, they could add some podcasts and videocasts. Anyone see any other web 2.0 opportunities they are not taking advantage of?

If your organization has a narrow target market, how are you using web 2.0 applications to attract the right people and groups to your site?

Relay For Life on Second Life

OK - This is fun. The American Cancer Society is hosting a Relay for Life in Second Life (SL). I found this information at the discussion boards of the SL Healthy Wiki. It's a wetpaint wiki designed to gather "information about consumer health locations and groups in Second Life, with general health education resources as well."

When I look to see who is behind this wonderful and well-organized resource, I am pleased - and not surprised to see that Namro Orman (one of the masterminds of Healthinfo Island on Second Life) is involved. Namro aka Guus van den Brekel designed the excellent search widget on this page.

As of today SL Healthy has 77 members and it looks like a great place to jump in and add your expertise if you are in Second Life and interested in health information. Other SL and health resources include:
Health and Medicine in Second Life Blog
Healthinfo Island Blog
Healthinfo Island BlogHUD

diagKNOWsis

diagKNOWsis was started by Trisha Torry after she was diagnosed with a rare form of lymphoma. It turned out that she never had lymphoma and she found this out through her, "research, networking, and the partnership (she) established with (her) second-opinion oncologist."

Now she is about.com's expert on patient empowerment. What a cool title! There is a discussion forum associated with this of course. I was drawn into an interesting thread started by Dr. L about the state of healthcare, health insurance, and the affodability of being a dr. these days. It's an anonymous forum so whether you are a physician, patient or work at an insurance company, you can add your 2 cents.

BTW - I found out about this on CNN/health. Click on the Torrey tab for Trish's article.

Inspiration From Relay For Life

I participated in a Relay for Life last year. It's a 24 hour fundraiser for the American Cancer Society. At the time I was impressed with the structure and organization of the event. They had lots of fun activities like an egg toss, noisemaker lap, and at some point they got a bunch of men to dress up as women. Hilarity ensued. They mix this fun with ceremony and education. It's a great experience if you haven't been to one yet. I recommend going during the luminaria lap. It's quite inspiring.

If you go to their website, ACS is integrating social media applications in a very organized, structured and fun way too. For example, along with podcasts available at itunes, they have a section on recommended music for the event using playlist.com. People can add suggestions which are moderated. Something to think about if you've been holding back using social media applications because you wouldn't have enough control. ACS has the right idea here in that they are allowing participation and maintaining editorial control.

They also have an RSS feed for updates to the site. There is a blog where you can post ideas for local fundraising efforts - what worked and what didn't. The cool thing is that they don't call it a blog, it's called HowTo-Do This Fundraiser. It's true that I would call it something else, but I do give them points for leaving out the word "blog". For this site it's just jargon that doesn't need to be there.

I'll have to make a note to clean up the jargon on all of my pages...

What's at the Grocercy Store?

At Zeer you can find out what's in your groceries before you get to the store. This eliminates the need to squint at the tiny print on the box while blocking the aisle. I especially hate doing that when it's the frozen aisle.

Let's skip to the best part...
I love the advanced search. It looks especially helpful if you are starting on a new type of diet. For example, if you have allergies you can search for products that are egg free, gluten free, peanut free, etc.. You could also look for sodium free, fat free, or sugar free products.

More details...
It looks like they have downloaded a large database of groceries to their site. A search on butter gives me over 2,700 results and most of them have no reviews or recommendations attached to them. So if you're inclined you could make quite a name for yourself on this site.

They have the all standard features like uploading a photo, creating a profile, connecting with friends, and joining groups.

I wish they had...
I'm thinking a recipe section would be a nice complement to this site.

The Wellness Community

I just perused another great site. This one creates a community for cancer patients and their caregivers. It's called the Wellness Community. I've never heard of them before. This is the scoop from their website: "Founded in 1982, The Wellness Community is an international non-profit organization dedicated to providing free support, education and hope to people with cancer and their loved ones." They have both on-line and physical support groups with professional staff.

They have public discussion boards - free and easy to join - that are very similar to most social networking discussion boards. They also have on-line support groups that meet via phone and chat for 90 minutes/week. Trained facilitators lead these groups of 8-10 people. Other great features include a relaxation meditation that you can download, cooking and nutrition information, and a spanish version of the site.

Navigation on the site is fairly intuitive. The only warning I have is that the social media and on-line support "join" button is only available from the home page. I'm sure they will re-design the site so that if you look at the "about" page you will be able to jump back to the on-line community and join but for now, don't panic, just click on the logo in the upper left corner of the page. That takes you home where you can sign in.

Web 2.0 Directory

Go2Web20.net is a collection of Web 2.o web sites. So far they have about 2,500 sites listed. Go2Web2.0 has a visually appealing, simple design and makes an interesting sound (today I am easily amused). To explore the site, I recommend using the "Select Tag" feature at the top of the page. A beautiful green cloud of tags appears. If you choose "health", you'll get about 25 results. More than enough to keep you busy this summer.

They also have a search box which is less useful. When I type in "health", I get one result - a site called revolutionhealth.com. Typing in "heal" gets me an additional site called healia.com.

Wouldn't it be great if the tags were indexed?

Other than that it's a really nice set up.

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.]

Treatment Options

If you have health issues or even life issues you will most likely benefit (and benefit others) through participation in dailystrength.org. This is social networking at its best. People form communities around health topics that interest them, answer questions for each other and share information about treatments. The treatments section is especially well done.

For example, at the Acne Support Group page you will find Top Treatments on the lower right side of the page. This is an unscientific - and I think extremely helpful - feature of the site. The top treatments are listed in order of how many people are using them. In the Acne Support Group, 213 members are using washing which makes it the most used. Each person then ranks how they think washing is working for them. Washing is deemed 70% effective by the 213 people in the Acne Support Group who say they use washing.

Notice, I'm using careful language here. As I mentioned before this is not a scientific study and it will not replace your doctor or other medical/health practitioner. I like it because it's an opportunity for people to compare notes on what they have tried and what has worked.

I also like the functionality of this feature. It's good database design with a good user interface.

DailyStrength

An outstanding idea with the execution to match - DailyStrength.org is a social networking site designed to support people with any health issue you can think of. It's free and anonymous.

Sign up is simple and the site is well designed. They have support groups already started for just about any disease or condition you can think of from allergies to women's health. If you don't find what you are looking for, however, you have two options. You can suggest a new support group or you can start a member group and invite others to it.

I just signed up today. I'll post more after I've used it a couple times.

Photoshare

Photoshare is an excellent photo sharing site for anyone in public health or health education. They have over 15,000 photographs in categories from "abortion" to "youth programs". There is no fee for non-commercial use. If you would like to add to their collection of documentary style photos, they will make sure you get the photo credit. There is also the Photoshare Blog which has acticles about interesting public health projects, their photo contest and points to interesting articles.

I found this via a non-web 2.0 source called AVERT.org which is the most comprehensive website on AIDS/HIV that I've ever seen.

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!

Mashups - Check out this Amazon.com Similarity Web

A mashup, according to wikipedia (4/28/08), is a web application that combines data from more than one source into a single integrated tool. The similarity web for Amazon.com, created by a self-proclaimed starving student, takes information from "Customers who bought this item also bought..." and displays it in a very useful and visually interesting way.

I like it because I am often looking for several books on the same topic. Instead of following the links away from my original find and getting lost on another topic, I can now use this tool. It keeps my original book in the center which helps to keep my ADD in check. Books that customers also bought are in the first circle out from the center.

When I roll over the photo of the book with my mouse, the cover of the book and it's description appears in the box on the right hand side of the page. I can either look at the next book, or click through to get more details.

The only disadvantage I can see is that it takes some time to create the web. For me, however, it's worth the wait.

Odeo and YouTube

I enjoyed using odeo this week. I don't have an iPod yet. Now I'm inspired.

YouTube was a bit more tedious. I found some things I thought were funny. I found some things I thought were bad - really bad. I didn't find alot that I thought was useful and useful is a big plus for me.

If I were going to create something on YouTube for the libary, I would want to make it informative and interesting. What's exciting about libraries is usually not something visual. It's the A on the paper or the fleeting "Yes - I found it." moment.

Probably the best use of a video in libraries is professional development. For example, I am at an academic library with lots of allied health students. I don’t need to use MeSH subject headings very often so it would be great to look at a refresher video before I need to search with MeSH.

How to Start Your Research

I like this video by sharonlibrarian that I found on YouTube. It explains the advantages of using library resources, which are typically published resources, that are delivered via the web. Regular search engines like google, yahoo etc... usually provide access to self published information.

Online Photo Sharing

This week I learned a great deal about Creative Commons. Creative commons is a non-profit organization which has developed agreements and contacts that are similar to copyright - but that allow people to reserve some rights on how their work is used. What's even better is that they are allowing everyone to use these agreements and contracts for free.

Creative Commons agreements differ from copyright in that copyright "reserves all rights" of reproduction with the creator of the work. Creative commons agreements "reserve some rights". For example, you might not mind if someone uses a photo that you took on their not-for-profit or personal web page.

There are six combinations of creative commons licenses. They range from the most restrictive which only allows distribution of your work as long as you are attributed to the most accomodating licence which allows people to "distribute, remix, tweak, and build upon your work, even commercially, as long as they credit you for the original creation." (quote is taken from the Creative Commons website: http://creativecommons.org/about/licenses/meet-the-licenses)

The copyright landscape has changed quite a bit since I graduated from library school in 1996.

I am not sure yet how our library will use flickr. It may be the way to easily share the photos for the student newsletter.

Web Office Tools

Is this the future of all software products? What do you think?

After reading about, looking at and using google docs and zoho I am really impressed with with the quantity and quality of on-line applications available for collaborating. I don't think that all software products will end up on the web. Corporate and government security concerns might make it undesirable and intranets with more specialized software would make it unnecessary.

For students, non-profit groups and small businesses - along with many other groups that have characteristics such as geographic diversity, participants from different organizations, or low budget - these applications are useful and relatively easy for most computer users.

Social Bookmarking

Can you see the potential of this tool for research assistance? Or just as an easy way to create bookmarks that can be accessed from anywhere?

Del.icio.us is a really easy way to create bookmarks that can be accessed from anywhere. I am using it to help me remember sites that would be good to recommend to students. I am also using connotea. So far, I have not seen a huge difference in the functionality. Connotea is more academic and following tags to other users tends to give you more academic sources. Del.icio.us is more popular and leads you to a bigger variety of web sites when you follow the tags to another persons library.

Social Networks

How can social networking be used by MLA (Medical Library Association) to connect members?

MLA can use their Facebook account as a virtual gathering place for MLA members. MLA does already have an eList for discussion - which works very well. The added benefit of a presence on Facebook is that members are able to "see" more of the other members. On the eList, only the people who post become known. With social networking, when you join the group, you can see all of the other people who have joined the group. This increases your ability to network with people and find common interests. Since people have a profile, you can get to know them on a more personal level than you do on the eList. Facebook can also be used during conferences as a message board.

Should your library have a Facebook or MySpace page?

We have alot of students on Facebook and MySpace. We could use our page to feature new books, answer questions about assignments, and post information about events. It would allow another access point to our services which would improve our customer service. Our students would also start thinking of us more frequently when they needed research for a paper or presentation.

Are there privacy concerns for individuals when using social networking sites?

Yes - people should be careful to only post information that they are comfortable with anyone and everyone knowing. In addition, you would not want to make comments about other people that might get you sued.

What did you like or not like about your experience with Facebook or MySpace?

I am still avoiding joining Facebook and MySpace. I have joined LinkedIn. I like that it is business oriented and I enjoy being able to check-in on my connections periodically. I think one of the downsides of social networking is the large amount of time you can spend without much benefit to yourself or society.

Blogs vs. Wiki's

What is the difference between a blog and a wiki? What sort of things might be better suited for a blog and better suited for a wiki?

From my experience so far, a blog is very useful for providing information and having a discussion. It's a little bit like a public e-mail conversation. Once the information is posted, it pretty much stays the way it is and you can see a record of the conversation over time.

When I think about blogs, I usually think of someone (or a small group of people) either reporting or commenting on current events; or acting as an expert on a topic. An article is written and then comments are posted. I think a library might have a staff blog to let people know about new books, recommended books, give background information about events happening at the library, and highlight search tools or web pages.

A wiki, however, is more like a collaboration tool. It can be used for very large projects especially when there is alot of data. As new information is collected or agreed upon, the change is made and all you see is the new information. If someone makes an error (in syntax, a typo or maybe they post something that was a misunderstanding), another person can easily change or correct the entry.

At our library, we are using a wiki to capture answers to questions that are a little tricky. For example, the students have an assignment to find out about phlebotomy and malpractice. We keep notes on which databases have the best articles on this topic. It's great because if we find out new information, we just change the entry.

Both applications have the ability to remain private and restrict the ability of people to comment or edit.

RSS and Library Patrons

How do you think you could use RSS feeds at your library? How do you think patrons could use RSS feeds?

I work at an academic library. Our college offers certificates, associate degrees, bachelors degrees, and masters degrees.

I think I will start using RSS feeds to keep me updated on news. Before this exercise, I usually subscribed to lists, news, and updates via e-mail. I now feel confident enough to subscribe to the RSS feed option. A big advantage is that my e-mail in-box will be less crowded. Another advantage is that it looks like I can track more and be more precise in my tracking of information.

Some of our patrons - like Deans and Department Chairs might find this option useful. I think many of them might be dissappointed that the article they are interested in is not full text and available with 1 click. I will explore it with some of the faculty I work with more closely.