PSRML Express Outreach Awards Announced
The initial round of PSRML Express Outreach Awards for 2003 has been completed, and two Network members have signed agreements with PSRML. Both projects received $6,000 in funding, covering the time period from April 1, 2003, to March 31, 2004. The projects strive to improve access to health information for health professionals and health consumers, and to promote the awareness and use of products and services available from the NLM and the NN/LM. Target groups include both urban and rural populations, as well as some medically underserved communities, such as youth on probation or parole, and Spanish-speaking mothers isolated in subsidized housing.
Congratulations to the following people on their successful proposals. Reports on the progress of these projects will appear in future issues of Latitudes.
Patrick Cochran, Judith Tuttle Memorial Research Library, Periodic Paralysis Association, Monrovia, CA
Project Title: "Model System for Integration of NLM Resources into Internet-Based Information Systems for Rare Disease"
Description: A model web-based information system, focusing on the needs of the periodic paralysis community, will be integrated into the new Periodic Paralysis Association website. The model system will include existing resources specific to the target class of disorders, from such organizations as the National Institutes of Health, the National Library of Medicine, and the Organization for Rare Disorders, using web-based information management tools and mechanisms, which allow dynamic connectivity with expert advisors and other internal and external information resources. The model is intended to be promoted as applicable to any rare disease community.
Pat Lawson-North, Vision Literacy Service, Santa Clara County Library and City of Mountain View Public Library, Milpitas, CA
Project Title: "Basic Health Research for Adult Learners"
Description: This project will involve organizing an Internet-based library of existing websites related to health that are in a low-literacy format. These links will be categorized by medical conditions and health interests of the target audiences. Numerous training sessions will be held to help new adult readers independently find and understand MEDLINEplus health tutorials and other easy-to-read resources. The project will also involve creating a customer satisfaction survey for MEDLINEplus and conducting a field test to evaluate a locally produced health curriculum for its basic literacy level, using three groups of adult learners.
Applications for Express Outreach Awards are accepted on a continuing basis throughout the year. For more information and to apply, please refer to the PSRML Express Outreach Awards page, located at: http://nnlm.gov/psr/outreach_award_info.html
Congratulations to our awardees! AC