Annabelle, Videoconference Room

Annabelle – a “Mover and Shaker”
On Monday Jeanette sent out the URL for Library Journal’s article on Annabelle at:

http://www.libraryjournal.com/article/CA6535094.html

All of the medical library Movers and Shakers are listed in Michelle Kraft’s blog, The Krafty Librarian at:

http://kraftylibrarian.com/2008/03/congratulations-library-journals-movers.html

Congratulations again Annabelle!

Videoconference Room
I’d like to try to clear up some misconceptions about the new videoconference room in the Circulation Desk area. I view this space as a tremendous asset to the library – it’s bringing people into the building and has been great for meetings that we have with folks up in Phoenix. Because there is such a high demand on campus for videoconferencing and because use of the equipment requires technical support staff, scheduling of this room (and all video rooms) must be coordinated with the other videoconferencing rooms and is best handled outside of the library. We have access to this room and Linda can help you with scheduling. If you have problems with equipment or access to the room, the IS Desk staff know who to call. You may not know that the College of Medicine covered all of the cost for the renovation of this room.

New website, new building, new books and new room!

New Website
Congratulations to everyone who worked so hard on the new look for our website! With its clean look and quick access to many of our information resources the site is sure to be popular with both students and faculty. The home page is as important as our front lobby and it’s what most library “visitors” will see first. We had a great kick-off “party” yesterday that attracted a lot of attention and moved a lot of popcorn. Thanks to everyone involved on the design, construction and promotion of the new site!

New Building in Phoenix
Last week Jacque, Kristy, Lindsey and I (via teleconference) attended a meeting of the planning committee for the Health Sciences Education Building (HSEB) on the Phoenix campus. A new, larger space for the library is planned for this building. The legislature has provided funding for planning the building but hasn’t yet provided funding for construction.

New Books Display
Mary Holcomb has worked with Javad to create a new book display in the lobby, outside of the new videoconference room. Tessie created a sign and the space looks bright and colorful. These books are available for immediate checkout.

Videoconference Room
On Wednesday the Administrative Team held its weekly meeting, the first in the new facility. Communication is so much easier when we can see Jacque and she can see us! This room is available for any meeting that involves participation from folks at both AHSL locations. Linda can schedule the room for your meetings.

Renovations and websites

Teleconference Room
The teleconference room renovations in the old circulation desk space are scheduled to be completed before the holiday break. We’ve been waiting for the large window frame to arrive. As soon as that is installed the room will be painted and carpeting will be laid down. It looks as if the teleconferencing equipment will be installed during the first or second week of January.

AZHealthInfo.org and AZGoLocal.org
Many of you are familiar with these two AHSL websites. The first provides information about Arizona health problems and public health issues. The second provides links to healthcare services and providers in Arizona. Both were developed with grant funding and that funding is now running out. I have heard from many people who are impressed with the high quality of both sites. I believe that we are providing a useful service to the citizens of Arizona by maintaining these sites. However, it takes time and effort on the part of several people to keep these sites up-to-date and accurate.

Jeanette, Jacque and I have been talking to people at AHCCCS/AZ211, the state Medicare agency and the group who supports 211 – the emergency response telephone network and website. They are very impressed with our two websites that fulfill a lot of the functions that they want to provide to the state. We are talking with them about possible ongoing support for one or both of these projects. I will keep you posted.

Construction of Teleconferencing Room

Construction has begun on the new teleconferencing room in the space behind the old Circulation Desk. This room, like several others in the library, will be on the campus room scheduling list and available to campus groups. The Circulation Desk is being torn out and a wall will be constructed to close off the area.