NN/LM PNR Announcement: Outreach Funding for Public Health
submitted by Maryanne Blake

Information Access for Public Health Professionals: A new initiative is being introduced by the National Library of Medicine and the National Network of Libraries of Medicine in partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) with a vision of connecting public health professionals with information resources. In support of this initiative, a request for quotation (RFQ) is being issued to provide public health professionals with timely, convenient access to information resources that can help them do their jobs more effectively.

In response to the RFQ, network members may submit proposals to promote awareness of relevant public health resources through presentations and demonstrations; to link health agencies with an NN/LM member library for document delivery service; to teach health agencies' staff to search the Internet for reliable and authoritative health information; to demonstrate and teach the use of PubMed and/or Internet Grateful Med to access MEDLINE and other NLM databases; and to promote public health uses of the Internet and connectivity options such as NLM's connections grants program.

Any Network member library, state health sciences library association or consortia can submit a proposal. Each proposal must include a statement of work and a detailed budget not to exceed $50,000. Proposals must be received by the NN/LM PNR by August 1, 1998. The period of performance is up to 24 months. A copy of the request for quotation is available at the NN/LM PNR Web site.    If you have any questions concerning this opportunity contact either Nancy Ottman Press, Acting Associate Director or Maryanne Blake, Outreach Coordinator or call 1-800-338-7657.

Maryanne Blake  
Outreach Coordinator
National Network of Libraries of Medicine
Pacific Northwest Region
University of Washington
Box 357155 1-800-338-7657
Seattle, Washington 98195-7155
(206) 543-2469 FAX

VICE PRESIDENT GORE ADDRESSES MEDICAL LIBRARY ASSOCIATION
submitted by Tomi Gunn

For more information please contact Mary Langman at 312/419-9094 x 16; This release is also available at www.mlanet.org/press/

On Sunday May 24, 1998, Vice President Albert J. Gore addressed attendees at the Medical Library Association’s (MLA) 98th Annual Meeting in Philadelphia, PA.

In a video presentation made especially for the meeting, which served as the official kickoff of MLA’s year-long Centennial Celebration, Vice President Gore commended medical librarians for the vital role they play in the dissemination of biomedical information to physicians, researchers, educators, and the public.

In thanking MLA members for their support, Vice President Gore stated, “Your knowledge and expertise in information technology has been extremely helpful to our Administration as we explore ways to improve the delivery of health care through the use of new technologies.” In particular, the Vice President recognized MLA’s recommendation that the Next Generation Internet (NGI) include a health care component as well the association’s role in supporting public access to high quality health care information over the Internet.

“With the seemingly endless advances of the information age, it is clear that health sciences librarians will play an even greater role in the delivery of health care in the 21st century. Based on the success of the Medical Library Association’s first 100 years, I am confident that all of you will continue to serve America with the highest standards of excellence and dedication as we enter the new millennium,” stated Gore.

JACQUELINE DONALDSON DOYLE IS MLA CENTENNIAL YEAR PRESIDENT
submitted by Tomi Gunn

For more information, please contact Carla Funk at 312/419-9094 x14. This release is also available at www.mlanet.org/press/

Jacqueline Donaldson Doyle, AHIP, Director of Learning Resources, Samaritan Health System, Phoenix, AZ, has assumed the role of president of the Medical Library Association (MLA) for the 1998/99 centennial year. President Doyle began her term in May at the end of MLA ’98, MLA’s 98th annual meeting and Centennial Celebration kickoff.

As centennial year president, Doyle will spearhead MLA’s efforts to highlight the health sciences information profession as a past and future leader in the use of information technology. By building on MLA’s past successes and partnerships, Doyle believes that the association must lead the information-oriented changes and developments affecting quality health care today. “Our knowledge and perspective as health information professionals are unique. MLA is now poised to strengthen our profession and the individuals in it, enabling us to take on leadership roles.” she said.

One of MLA’s most involved members, Doyle has served on the MLA Board of  Directors as secretary, and has chaired several committees including the Continuing Education Committee, the 1996 National Program Committee, and the Task Force on the Role of the Librarian in Information Management. Doyle is also the recipient of one of MLA’s highest honors, the MLA Award for Excellence in Achievement in Hospital Librarianship.

As president, Doyle hopes to strengthen MLA by encouraging members to build collaborative partnerships within the organization. She believes that such partnerships will lead to positive legislation affecting health care and education and increased professional development opportunities for medical librarians. “Working together, we can make a difference: within the
association, by anticipating and responding to member needs; and within the profession, by anticipating and meeting the needs of our employers, organizations, and communities,” Doyle said.

MLA looks forward working under President Doyle’s direction and guidance as it celebrates 100 years of service to the health sciences information community.