Each year the ALA (American Library Association) sets aside one week to celebrate the contributions of libraries to the communities that they serve.This year’s theme for National Library Week is  “Lives change @ your library.” Here at MSK Library, we are proud to collaborate and learn with the researchers, doctors and other dedicated staff at MSK who change lives every day.

In addition to celebrations happening at libraries all over the country, a few publishers have joined in by providing free access to some materials.  Oxford University Press is offering free access to their online resources, and Proquest also has opened up access to several of their resources for the week.

Columbia University’s Augustus C. Long Health Sciences Library is hosting a free lecture on 19th Century Medical Photography on April 3, 2014 as part of their History of the Health Science Lecture Series. The following is from their newsletter.

Ink and Silver: Medicine, Photography, and the Printed Book, 1845-1880
Stephen J. Greenberg, MSLS, PhD, Coordinator of Public Services, History of Medicine Division, National Library of Medicine
When: Thursday, April 3, 2014
(Refreshments, 5:30, Lecture 6pm)
Where: Russ Berrie Pavilion, Room 1, 1150 St. Nicholas Avenue at West 168th Street

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It seems like every week the news touts the miracle effects of one vitamin or warns of the terrible consequences of another. Acai berries? Vitamin D? Fish oil? How can average consumers sort through this information?

A study recently published in the Journal of Health Communication: International Perspectives found that contradictory stories in the media cause readers to doubt or even ignore health advice altogether. (The study focused on people’s perspectives on vitamins, fish, coffee and red wine or other alcohol.) With new stories often contradicting the last, it’s understandable for people to get confused or overwhelmed.

Thankfully, here at MSK, we have nutritionists on staff to help us sort out fact from fiction! Patients can request personal assistance from a nutritionist (more info), and should always speak with their doctors about supplements they take. Did you know that Employee Health and Wellness also has nutritionists available to help employees get answers about their nutrition needs as well? Check out their pages on OneMSK for more details.

Remember, everyone’s needs are unique so speak with an expert about yours.