"Transformation Begins with a Single Step..."

This session from the Relevant Issues Section and LGBT Health Sciences Librarians SIG provided inspirational content from librarians involved in the aftermath of hurricanes Katrina and Rita, the Refugee Health Information Network, and research into web filters that may block relevant LGBT health information even in the medical center setting. The women who presented have done amazing work, which can't be done justice in a brief blog post. I would strongly encourage you to check out the abstracts and presentations for examples of librarians reaching out into underserved communities and providing important services.

A set of relevant links/resources:

Refugee Health Information Network

Hmong Health Website

Medical Library Recovery

Rainbow Caduceus campaign - from the American Medical Student Association

Sexual Orientation Health Issues - from the Richard M. Johnston Health Sciences Library at the Western Pennsylvania Hospital

Fletcher AM. No point of reference: a hurrican of information needs. Journal of Hospital Librarianship, 2006. 6(2):1-14.

McKnight M. Health sciences librarians' reference services during a disaster: more than collection protection. Medical Reference Services Quarterly, 2006. 25(3):1-12.