Dana Medical to Conduct Info-Needs Assessment

Congratulations to the Dana Medical Library, which has received an award from the National Network of Libraries of Medicine New England Region (NNLM-NER) to conduct an assessment of the information needs of Vermont’s community healthcare providers. The project also includes a survey of Vermont hospitals’ knowledge-based information resources and services.

The reports resulting from the surveys will help Dana Library, a resource library of the NNLM, to update and improve its services to unaffiliated health care providers, including physicians, advanced practice nurses, and allied health practices. Medical librarians will develop and present classes based on the provider needs assessment survey. The Library will also work with partners and supporters in the UVM College of Medicine Office of Primary Care, the Vermont AHECs (Area Health Education Centers), and the Vermont State Library to plan and advocate for information resources in health-related areas.

The $34,000 award is funded through April 2011. Marianne Burke is principal investigator.

Wes Graf Retires: Happy Sails!

On Monday, Wes Graf was celebrated in the Staff Lounge for his 32 years of service at UVM. Paul Philbin commented on Wes' outstanding achievements, both personally and professionally. Here are few highlights:

Wes’ favorite TV show is “Deadliest Catch” – an interest that stems from his days as a fisherman in Alaska. In his early days, he was a fish monger. Drove down to coast of Mass., pick up fish to sell on the corners of the Streets of Burlington.

Of course, more importantly, Wes has contributed greatly to the video history of the University. He’s received recognition for at least three productions:

In 1981, “Three Generations,” a video production that traces the changes made in Vermont’s treatment of retarded citizens. In 1983, “Coping With Terminal Illness,” received a Certificate of Merit at the International Rehabilitation Film Festival. In 1987, he created, “On My Own: The Traditions of Daisy Turner,” a video production about the life of a daughter of a former slave, 102-year-old Daisy Turner. She recalls childhood incidents and her father’s Civil War experiences and talks about life in her homestead in Vermont. Folklorist Jane Beck fills in details about traditions preserved in the Turner family.

Congrats, Wes, on a job well done!

Informal Open Forum: Sights and Sounds of Singapore

I'm back! And for whomever might be interested in a multi-media slideshow of sorts about Singapore, I will host an open forum on Wednesday, June 30, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. in the Media Classroom. All you have to bring is questions.