Academy Library Offers Free and Low-Cost Health Information Classes for the General Public

NEW YORK CITY, Sept. 6 — In order to maximize the public’s access to quality health information and empower them to improve their own well-being, The New York Academy of Medicine Library is offering a variety of free and low-cost medical information classes for the public beginning this month and continuing through next spring. Several new classes have been added to the Library’s traditional lineup, including a course on how to research genetic conditions on the Internet.

The classes, which take place in the Academy Library’s computer instruction room, require only basic knowledge of the computer and offer instruction in computer-based health research areas. These range from navigating the National Library of Medicine’s MEDLINE database using PubMed, to researching alternative medicine. While some courses are geared toward professional audiences—such as the new class designed to help nurses use the CINAHL database—many classes have broad appeal to students, professionals, and senior citizens alike.

By offering these classes to the public, the Academy aims to help people become more competent researchers and to prevent them from falling prey to a common research trap: the use of unreliable and imprecise sources. “We want them to be able to use the (library) databases effectively, to be comfortable with them, and to know that they are getting the best information and the most reliable information,” said Patricia Gallagher, MLS, MA, Senior Librarian at the Academy and one of the course instructors.

Among the other new courses to be offered this fall are: Google Scholar Basics, which helps consumers use Google Scholar to search scholarly literature, including theses, books, abstracts and articles; and, Grey Literature: A Supplement to Traditional Research Resources, designed to provide an introduction to what grey literature is and how to find it. A special focus will be on the Academy’s extensive collection of grey literature materials in public health and public health policy.

Classes that have been offered in past semesters and will be offered again this fall include: Introduction to The New York Academy of Medicine Library, a free class in which consumers can learn about the Library’s collections, how to use the Library and the Online Catalog to locate and request materials, and receive a brief tour of the Library; and, I've Got This Old Book: Researching Your Historic Book, designed for those who wish to find information about the author of their old book, or whether that book is important or valuable.

In addition to expanding its course offerings this fall, the Library instruction facilities will also undergo a physical upgrade. State-of-the-art equipment, including new computers, will be installed to provide for a more conducive learning environment and to enable people to efficiently utilize library resources. The classroom will fit 10 students per session, each at his or her own computer.

“If people are able to do their own research and get answers from reliable sources of information, they will be better-educated consumers and can go back to their doctors and other health care professionals and ask educated questions,” Gallagher said. “Having that ability to do your own research is empowering and makes you calmer in the face of what can be calamity.”

Special discounts are available to students and senior citizens for all of the classes. The Academy is located at 1216 Fifth Ave. (at 103rd Street). For additional information regarding these classes, including specific dates and times, please visit www.nyam.org/events. To register via e-mail or telephone, contact Linda Gardin at libtrain@nyam.org or 212.822.7367.

Founded in 1847, The New York Academy of Medicine is an independent, non-partisan, non-profit institution whose mission is to enhance the health of the public. The Academy is a leading center for urban health policy and action working to enhance the health of people living in cities worldwide through research, education, advocacy, and prevention. Visit us online at www.nyam.org.

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-by Tiffany Haufe

Posted on August 30, 2006

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Contact:
Andrew J. Martin
Director of Communications
The New York Academy of Medicine
1216 Fifth Avenue
New York, New York 10029
212-822-7285
amartin@nyam.org

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