Registry of medical experiments on the web
A very serious reference question that all too often cannot be answered either easily or completely deals with the availability of experimental treatment and/or clinical trials for serious illness. A new site developed by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) may provide significant assistance in conducting such research. The difficulty experienced by many patients trying to locate and evaluate experimental studies prompted Congress to order NLM to create an on-line registry of all clinical trials for serious illness. The registry will contain an explanation of the experiment, a list of locations and contacts, eligibility requirements, and an evaluation of the known risks – all in consumer friendly language with a minimum of medical terminology. The site currently lists 4,000 studies and is growing rapidly.

Visit the site - http://clinicaltrials.gov/

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Brad Stephens - Email
NOLA Regional Library System

Partnership for Proficiency Testing

Resources are now available to NOLA member libraries to help students prepare for the Ohio Proficiency Test!

Through a partnership program with all of the Regional Library Systems in Ohio, NOLA members now have access to a listing of excellent resources that can be added to your local collections for the benefit of students, parents, teachers, and school administrators.

If you were not able to attend the NOLA Workshop on February 16th, entitled "Become Proficient on the Proficiency Tests!" you may contact Lori Putt, CE Consultant for NOLA, to receive a packet of information that is "chock-full" of great information that you can use to better serve student patrons who are studying for the 4th, 6th, and 9th grade Ohio Proficiency Tests. The resources included in this packet include:

• vendors that specialize in proficiency test materials;
• samples of publicity materials to attract students and families to come to the library to get help in preparing for the tests;
• a listing of internet sites where parents can learn more about the proficiency tests;
• a listing of internet sites where students can take actual practice tests online to assist them in preparing for the actual testing.

Proficiency testing in Ohio begins on March 20th for all 4th and 6th grade students, and the Spring Testing for the 9th Grade Proficiency Testing begins on March 6th. It's not too late to provide this valuable information to your students and patrons who are seeking assistance in taking these tests!

To receive your Proficiency Packet, please e-mail Lori Putt at [email protected]

Items submitted by:
Lori Putt - Email
NOLA Regional Library System

Where do can you go to find the Amazon? No...not the Xena site! Adventurous travelers will head to Reflinks 981:Brazil - for a hot look at the Amazon River Basin. Kid friendly (Get you hands back in the boat! What's the matter with you? You want to get eaten by a piranha?), and interactive, there's a canoe full of maps, pictures, and games to get you started on your adventure. Find out if Ecotourism will help save this vital ecosystem or cause it destruction. Load your backpack full of Teacher resources and learning activities about the river, native flora and fauna, insects and more! Oh yeah...don't forget to pack some heavy duty bug spray - Did you know their are 30 million different types of bugs there? Bet me, they bite!

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Reflinks Members [email protected]