Regarding Public Libraries and the ALA providing credentialing -thats
fine,let them do for their constituents what they need to do. We are a
MEDICAL Library Association. Let our organization support what is in our
best interest in our hospital. What better person to hire for consumer
health position than a Medical Librarian. Why do we want to credential or
whatever someone to do our job? I still don't get this, but I am trying.

Judith E. Ziegler
Medical Library
Crozer-Chester Medical Center
One Medical Center Blvd.
Upland, PA 19013
610 447-2601
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-----Original Message-----
From: Sharon Lezotte [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Tuesday, May 08, 2001 12:21 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Who provides consumer health info?


Hello:

In support of a previous posting - others who DO provide consumer
health information....There are a large number of public libraries
in this nation.  One out of four of their patron questions have to do
with health or medical issues.  ALA and PLA are going to start various
areas of credentialing programs.  MLA has been in contact with these
other professional library organizations.  MLA will be able to credential
for ALA and PLA members in the area of consumer health.  It makes
sense for us to be the professional leaders in this arena.  There was
the joint conference/meeting of the two in Washington in January for
a Consumer Program.  It was well attended and good professional
exchanges took place.  When I have worked with the public librarians,
they are very responsive to expanding  their knowledge and skills in
this area.  There is usually one librarian in each system, not their whole
staff. This credentialing will secure that medical librarians  will be
there with
a sound knowledge base for the public librarians....

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
  Sharon A. Lezotte, MHE, MLIS - Consumer Health Coordinator
    National Network/Libraries of Medicine-Midcontinental Region 4
      986706 Nebraska Medical Center  Omaha, NE 68198-6706
        800.338.7657 in Region 4     Telephone: 402.559.5364
          E-mail: [log in to unmask]     FAX: 402.559.5482
            Action is the proper fruit of Knowledge -Thomas Fuller, MD
             ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~