Director's Desk

Look to the Library's web page (www.gwumc.edu/library) in the next few weeks for details on two exciting new programs: Hand-held Syncing Stations and a Wireless Local Area Network (LAN). The two syncing stations will be respectively located on the first floor of the Library near the Reference Desk and in the Bloedorn Audiovisual Study Center. They have been made available through the anonymous gift of a local foundation to support the use of information resources in the clinic.

Himmelfarb is already participating in a trial of the Ovid@Hand product which delivers MEDLINE search results and full-text articles to hand-held devices. The Library's Electronic Resources Committee is evaluating additional products to be purchased through a grant from another local foundation, The Brownley Trust. The Committee is looking specifically at products which incorporate basic medical texts and drug reference tools. Your input in this process is welcome. Simply call or e-mail me with your suggestions (202-994-1826 or mlbaml@gwumc.edu).

Our second project, the wireless LAN, will permit laptop users to connect to the University's wide area network to access the internet and services such as e-mail from the second and third floors of the Library. Laptop owners will be able to use vital research tools, databases, and University services in the Library's main study areas, thereby facilitating access to network services. The wireless LAN should be available for use by the end of April. Information on network cards supported and instructions for logging on are in process. Contact Leah Pellegrino at mlblcp@gwumc.edu for further information. Happy computing!

Anne Linton, Director,
Library Services