The note below concerns a program sponsored by the Public Library Committee of the Machine Assisted Reference Section of the Reference and User Services division of the American Library Association (whew!) at next week's meeting in New Orleans. Because meetings and programs at ALA are not monitored for badges, I urge any New Orleans-area librarians to consider attending, whether or not you are registering for ALA. Pam ***************************** Please forgive duplication. This message is being posted to several lists. --------------------------- "Rx For Reference: Providing Electronic Information For Health Care Consumers" RUSA MARS Public Libraries Committee Date & time: Saturday, June 26, 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. Place: Sheraton New Orleans, Grand Ballroom D. Speakers: Jane Fisher (Consumer Health Librarian, "CHOICES In Health Information", New York Public Library) Becky J. Lyon (Head, National Network Office, National Library of Medicine) Kristine Markovich (Education Coordinator, Middle Atlantic Region, National Network of Libraries of Medicine) This program will focus on issues involved with the rapid growth in the amount of health and medical information readily available in the online envirionment. Different perspectives will be offered on issues such as free vs. fee-based information, document delivery, and the role of non-specialist librarians in helping health care consumers access, navigate, and evaluate electronic health information resources. The National Library of Medicine's current initiative in public libraries, centering on the MEDLINEplus web site, will be among the electronic services featured in the discussion and in online demonstrations. ----------------------- Alan Stewart Chair, MARS PL Committee [log in to unmask]