Registration is required by September 9, 2011.

What is a roadshow you ask?

 Simply a really fun way to network with your library peers, learn more about unique library services (Plinkit, AskColorado/AskAcademic,SWIFT, Colorado Historic Newspapers, Colorado Virtual Library), and eat free food!

Can you think of a better way to spend a fall morning?

Still curious? Check out the pictures of past roadshows on Flickr!  You won’t be able to resist!

Kris & Sharon celebrate 8 years of AskColorado/Ask Academic with chocolate decadence.

Kris states, “We believe in our organization, and we continue to embrace and accept member feedback in a collaborative environment–all with the goal of improving service to patrons. We look forward to the current year with anticipation, and wonder what new changes and challenges lie ahead.”

Is there an “epidemic” of cancer?   How can you find out more?   Tune in and learn about multiple sites with content about basic information, topic searches, support, statistics, registries, treatment,  and more.
Taking the one-hour class and completing the exercises and class evaluation makes you eligible to receive 1 Medical Library Association Continuing Education credit. This online training is FREE.

Register online at http://tinyurl.com/mcrclasses (registration is not required but is appreciated)

Virtual Classroom URL: https://webmeeting.nih.gov/mcr/

Equipment: connection to the Internet and a phone, Login: as a guest with your first and last name.  Instructions to connect to the audio will show up once you’ve logged in.

Captioning will be provided.

Unable to attend? Visit archived Spotlight sessions at http://nnlm.gov/mcr/services/updates/spotlightresources.html.

Happy Spring. A few new things have been happening at AskColorado/AskAcademic since the start of the year that I thought library folks might be interested in hearing about:

1.       Our after-hours service is growing: Last February I started our own after-hours service, hiring librarians in the metro area to staff the service evenings, nights, and weekends. We started with a crew of nine librarians, and have grown to a current staff of fifteen. We *may* have some openings for part-time librarians coming-up. What we’re looking for are people with lots of reference experience, people who provide excellent customer service (no matter what!) and people with prior chat experience (preferably via AskColorado/AskAcademic.) If you’re interested, send me an e-mail (contact details below.)

2.       We have a client –  In an effort to create additional revenue streams for the organization, we have started a partnership that is moving us in that direction. In January, our AskAcademic and After-Hours librarians have been answering questions for our first client: Jones International University (JIU). JIU is based out of Centennial, CO, and has online students across the U.S. enrolled in bachelors, masters, and PhD degree programs. Our librarians field all of their chat reference questions, then refer them onto JIU specialists if needed. This is a pilot project and we hope to be able to take on similar clients in the future.

3.       Our member libraries now have access to a widget! Launched within the past few weeks, but in the works for several months, AskColorado and AskAcademic member libraries now have a Meebo-like widget. The widget acts as an entry-point that gets our customers connected a wee bit quicker to a librarian than going though the usual entry points (www.askcolorado.org & www.askacademic.org.) A couple of libraries have implemented the widgets already, including Denver Public Library (go to www.denverlibrary.org and click on ASK US in the right-hand column) and Red Rocks Community College (http://www.rrcc.edu/library/ – look in the right-hand column.) Special thanks go out to our NRS programmer, Steve Gregory, for his expertise in programming these widgets for us. Great job Steve!

Please let me know if you have any questions about these new initiatives, or anything else related to AskColorado or its partner queue, AskAcademic.

Best,
Kris Johnson, Coordinator
AskColorado/AskAcademic
Colorado State Library

Other features in GHR include a handbook with sections such as Cells and DNA, How Genes Work, Gene Therapy and many more.  The Glossary contains an alphabetical directory of hundreds of definitions related to genetic conditions.  In addition they feature a Resource and Patient Support web page that has general interest links to websites including genetics education, Human Genome Project, policy/ethics and health literacy.  Health professionals may find links under Resources to the NCI’s PDQ: Cancer Genetics Overview, Gene Tests, Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM), PubMed Medical Genetics Searches, and much more.  Patients and families may click on links to websites such as Ask the Geneticist and the Genetic Alliance’s Understanding Genetics: A Guide for Patients and Professionals.

If one does a simple search of the alphabetical list under “Conditions” and click on “breast cancer,” they will find a description of the disease, its frequency, specific genes related to the disease such as BRCA1, BRCA2, PTEN, STK11, TP53 and others, with a direct link from each gene symbol to its web page with detailed information.  They also provide information on breast cancer inheritance and links for web pages on the diagnosis, management or treatment of breast cancer.  A simple search, in the search box at the top, on “cancer,” brings up 695 results including condition summaries, specific genes, definitions, chromosome summaries, and gene summaries all related to cancers.  Clicking on the “Genetic Conditions” tab at the top on the home page and then clicking on “Cancers” in their list of diseases by categories, results in a large list of genetic related cancers.

Patients, consumers and health professionals will find this a rich resource for learning about genetic conditions. The National Library of Medicine has a wealth of databases and electronic resources (All Free!) for health professionals and the public: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/databases .  For questions about Genetics Home Reference (GHR) or NLM’s other biomedical resources, contact Dana Abbey at 303-724-2110 or dana.abbey@ucdenver.edu.

Early on it was recognized by Colorado libraries that despite the plethora of easily-obtainable information via the Internet, people were having trouble finding the “right information” and credible information. To address this problem, you joined forces to create AskColorado. Many librarians in the state, however, are not aware that not only was AskColorado one of the first statewide, multi-library-type, virtual reference services to open in the U.S., it remains one of only fifteen or so states that continue with such a service today.

“While states such as Massachusetts and California have discontinued their services, ours continues today to offer high-level service, along with other states such as Ohio, Maryland, and New Jersey,” said Kris Johnson, AskColorado Coordinator. “Our per-capita usage rivals that of those larger states.”

“We offer the human touch to an oftentimes impersonal Internet, and help put people in touch with information that they would otherwise be unable to locate themselves,” added Johnson. “And judging by our numbers, people need us!”

Recent comments from customers highlight the need and usefulness of AskColorado:

• Love that I can access a librarian 24/7 as I often am in urgent need for help when the regular library is closed and I can’t find what I need on the library website. Great friendly and quick service. Very impressed.
• I was so happy to find this service! I was lost navigating a variety of sites and the librarian helped me find the one I needed for my paper.
• The human touch was there. Doesn’t get any better than that!

Over the years, residents from every county in Colorado have logged in, with nearly 25% of those questions coming from rural areas. Questions range the gamut, from homework help for kids, to how to start a small business for adults. Recent research questions include:

• I am trying to find research studies on effective classroom routines or how such routines help with classroom management.
• What is the amount of water the entire state of Colorado uses in one day?
• I am researching the effectiveness of LinkedIn as a job search tool. I have lots of short articles but no substantial research. Help!
• I am sending invitations to our state senators and representatives. How do I address them on the envelope?

AskColorado has also received its share of whimsical questions:

• Can you help me find an article that has a list of the top 500 fictional villains…the evilest!?
• What is the circumference of a moose?

Interesting questions received on the service are posted at the AskColorado Twitter account  nearly daily. AskColorado also participates in popular social networking sites, including Facebook and Delicious.

The AskColorado service works on a model similar to public radio: it is grant-funded and paid for by member libraries. Federal monies through the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) are supplied via the Colorado State Library, a unit of the Colorado Department of Education. In addition, member libraries contribute financially and through staff support.

Libraries throughout Colorado of every type — public, academic, school and specialized libraries — contribute money to pay for the software and 24/7 service. Local libraries also provide the staff time to work online with Colorado students and residents. If your library would like to join, or you would like additional information, please contact Kris Johnson.

Website: http://www.askcolorado.org
Twitter: http://twitter.com/AskColorado
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AskColorado
Operations Manager, Kris Johnson, johnson_k@cde.state.co.us, 303-866-6922

Posted on behalf of –  Dana Abbey, MLS Consumer Health Coordinator National Network of Libraries of Medicine University of Colorado Denver

William completed the Boston Marathon at the age of 67. Now, in his late-80s he continues to enjoy hiking, skiing and running.  Mildred, 73, hits the step machine after complete knee replacement surgery and daily increases her walking distance. These are just two of the inspirational stories on the National Library of Medicine’s (NLM) NIHSeniorHealth website . Often times these stories cross my mind as I watch the seconds painfully ticking away on the treadmill timer. However, William and Mildred’s dedication, along with the other 26 engaging exercise stories, keep me motivated to exercise for life.

People aged 65 and up numbered 37.3 million in 2006 (12.4% of the population) and are expected to represent 20% of the United States population by 2030.  Fifty-three percent of next generation seniors (50-64) and twenty-one percent of seniors 65 and up have gone online to search for health information.  With the growth of our aging population, it’s imperative to have accurate, authoritative online resources to make informed health care decisions. Here are a selection of resources that focus on the unique needs of seniors and caregivers.
NIHSeniorHealth was developed by staff from the NLM and the National Institute on Aging to provide seniors and caregivers with reliable aging-related health information.  The site debuted in 2002 with three health topics, and now includes 43 health topics, health videos, Medicare basics for caregivers,  a trainer’s toolkit to help older adults learn to search online health information, and links to tips on making websites senior friendly.  The site has many senior-friendly features allowing users to easily increase the text size, change the page color for higher contrast, or activate the “talking” function that reads text aloud. NIHSeniorHealth has received numerous awards and recognition including the 2009 bronze medal from the National Mature Media Awards and the Industry Innovators Award from the International Council on Active Aging. If you, or you know of someone 60 years or older who exercises regularly, consider sharing your exercise story to inspire others.
The National Institute on Aging provides information on healthy aging, care giving, dietary supplements, and diseases in both English and Spanish. It also provides links to other National Institutes of Health and other government websites. This Institute conducts scientific research to understand the nature of aging and extending one’s healthy active years. In addition to health information, the site has a searchable database of over 300 national organizations that provide help to older adults.
The U. S. Administration on Aging provides links to connect older persons, caregivers and professionals to federal, national and local programs – including the Eldercare Locator to find help with transportation, meals, home care, and caregiver support services. You can link to the Locator directly at http://www.eldercare.gov.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has a section just for seniors at . Topics include health issues – such as arthritis, cancer, diabetes – drug information, medication errors, health fraud, and nutrition.
USA.gov, the award-winning official portal to all things government has a wealth of resources for seniors. In addition to health information and caregiver resources, this site provides information consumer protection; end-of-life issues; education, jobs and volunteerism for seniors; laws and regulations protecting seniors; financial, retirement, and tax information; and travel and recreation tips and discounts.
Medicare’s official site provides information on comparing prescription drug plans, health plans and hospitals. In addition, you can learn about planning for long-term care, Medicare eligibility, find resources for caregivers, and locate Medicare forms.
Nursing Home Compare is a tool containing detailed information about past performance of every Medicare and Medicaid-certified nursing home in the country. Sites receive ratings on health inspections, nursing home staffing, residents quality measures (health, physical functioning, mental status, general well being), and fire safety inspections.
For more information, or to schedule a presentation:
Dana Abbey, MLS
Consumer Health Coordinator
National Network of Libraries of Medicine University of Colorado Denver – Health Sciences Library 12950 E. Montview Blvd., A003 Aurora, CO 80203 303-724-2110 dana.abbey@ucdenver.edu

Posted on behalf of Dana Abbey.

Did you know that adults in the U.S. average 11.5 prescriptions per year, and persons over 60 average 15.6? Pillboxbeta, provides an easy way to visually identify an unknown tablet or capsule medication based on imprint, shape or color.

The National Library of Medicine (NLM) is developing two free online tools to assist in identifying and tracking prescriptions and over-the-counter medications.

The site, currently under development, is designed for consumers, emergency physicians, first responders and Poison Control Centers. Pillboxbeta   contains 5,693 records – 779 have images. In addition to pill images, the site provides links to medication content and labeling as found in the medication package inserts; MedlinePlus for easy to read summaries; PubMed for medical literature describing research; clinical trials; and, literature on substances that might pose possible health effects to nursing infants. The NLM is working with the Food and Drug Administration and drug manufacturers on a large-scale photography project, so look for more images to be available in the near future. This site, as with all other NLM databases, does not accept advertising.

Personal medication records can help to educate and empower consumers and improve patient safety and health quality. MyMedicationList is a prototype Web application being developed by the NLM that helps users manage and track their prescription and over-the-counter medication lists.  The program has two options for display: text and pictogram. The pictograph view is a great feature for those with low literacy – medications can be associated with images and instructions for use.  The list can be printed, emailed or brought to medical appointments.  This web tool is not connected to a health institute or organization, is advertisement-free, and is stored locally on the user end. Multiple lists can be created, allowing all family and household members can keep track of their individual medications.

When disposing of unused, unneeded, or expired medications:
•    Remove from original containers
•    Mix prescription drugs with an undesirable substance, such as used coffee grounds or kitty litter, and put them in impermeable, non-descript containers, such as empty cans or sealable bags
•    Do not flush prescription drugs down the toilet unless the label or accompanying patient information specifically instructs doing so
•    Look for community pharmaceutical take-back programs that allow the public to bring unused drugs to a central location for proper disposal

For more information on prescription, over-the-counter medications and supplements, visit MedlinePlus at www.medlineplus.gov.

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For more information, visit the Tech & Learning home page, or find them on Facebook or Twitter.