HLSP Committee

It was suggested that the committee try to arrange for a sunrise seminar on Go Local at the UNYOC Conference in Ithaca in October 2008. It was also suggested that we propose a formal session on Go Local for both the UNYOC and NYLA 2009 programs.

NY3Rs have been asking what they can do. Below is a preliminary list:

• form a committee
• begin to identify existing databases
• make a list of potential partnerships
• look into 211
• consider outreach and training – develop centrally but deliver regionally
• foster awareness of NLM priority levels for organizations to include
• encourage public library participation

Discussion Excerpts from June 30 Go Local Minutes

Gary Byrd stated that he is willing to contribute 50% of Ophelia’s time to this project.

Cristina Pope said that Upstate would be willing to contribute staffing as well but needed to know what was needed and would like to see sample job descriptions. Grace DiVirgilio said that she would have some MISP money available ($5,000) to contribute to this project. CLRC has received a $10,000 member item grant to begin work on this project. (The day after the meeting, Julie emailed saying that E.G. Miner could contribute one senior level paraprofessional and one primary cataloger for up to 12 hours per week during the database building stage.)

Elizabeth Irish (via phone) was asked about the potential involvement of the NYS Department of Health. She indicated that they had a project beginning that was similar to Go Local and that she would follow up with a contact to determine the nature of their project. She and Chris will also contact the NYS Health Library.

Committee reports

Standards Committee. Michele reported. The committee has done a second draft of the Selection Guidelines that incorporated the changes recommended. Her question to the Steering Committee was how to handle individual practitioners. After some discussion it was agreed that Michele would add a statement to the effect that listings will not include group practices or individual practitioners at least initially.

Funding Committee. Kathy has had preliminary discussions with Albany about including an increase in MISP funding to support Upstate NY Go Local on an on-going basis. The response she received was favorable; however, because of the financial condition of NYS, it would not be available for at least two years. The increase in MISP funding to support Upstate NY Go Local would also have to be approved by the Regents Advisory Council for Libraries. Kathy noted that Lucretia McClure is president of this council and she will be talking to her about an ongoing source of funding for consumer health information programs.

PR. Carole reported that the latest suggestions have been incorporated into the one page summary of Upstate NY Go Local. She also noted that the PR committee was asked to develop a list of talking points. Carole will do a draft, ask our consultant to review and send out the draft to the committee for review and comments. Karla noted a couple of points that have served them well:

1. service is state-wide
2. links to Medline Plus
3. adheres to national standards
4. vetted clearinghouse of health-related organizations

3Rs updates.

Grace reported that their region has reformed their HLISP committee into the Community for Health Information Access committee. Diane, Ophelia, Grace and reps from the 2 public library systems in their area are members. Medline Plus classes are scheduled for public librarians in their region.