International Open Access Week has Arrived! October 21-27, 2019

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 In honor of International Open Access Week, we will be featuring five open access publications by MSK authors and will showcase one each day (Monday to Friday) as a Today’s Science Sparks on the library website. You can also browse the Today’s Science Sparks’ archives to find other open access articles.

International Open Access Week provides us with an opportunity to pause and take a moment to reflect on what open access really means for authors, readers, librarians, and others interested in pursuing knowledge. This year’s theme will be “Open for Whom? Equity in Open Knowledge” and you can read more here on why this theme was selected by the 2019 Open Access Week Advisory Committee.

If you are curious about other open access resources, please feel free to check out the recently revised Open Access LibGuide.  This subject-specific guide contains information about Predatory Publishing, Preprints, and Info for MSK Authors.

Finally, if you wish to further embrace the open access week experience, you can participate by following the conversation on Twitter during open access week — #OAWeek.

Donna Gibson
Director of Library Services

Thinking about a 3D mammogram?

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October is National Breast Cancer Awareness month. As new technologies emerge to detect cancer, decisions about screening options can become more complicated. So what does the research say about 3D mammograms?

A 2019 study found that compared to traditional 2D mammograms, 3D mammograms offer fewer false positives and are more effective in women age 65 and older. Another recent study (2019) found that breast cancers found with 3D mammography were more likely to be smaller and node-negative compared to breast cancers found with standard digital mammography.

Dr. Sandra Brennan. Image courtesy of the MSK Digital Asset Library. Do not reuse.

Breast density also plays a role. Dr. Sandra Brennan, Director of Radiology at MSK Westchester, explains that 3D mammography is better at detecting masses in dense breasts than 2D mammography. Dr. Brennan explains that radiologists have long known about breast density, but that breast density notification laws have prompted this issue to come to the public’s attention. These laws, she says, “came about largely because of patient activism.”

As with all cancer screening questions, you should consult with your doctor. Learn more about mammograms and other types of breast exams offered at MSK.

Three Questions – Alethea

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For this edition of Three Questions, get to know Alethea Brisco, MSK Library’s Document Delivery Services Assistant and Office Manager Extraordinaire.

1. What areas can you help MSK users with?
On a daily basis I have a strong commitment to our users and pride myself in processing Docline/Interlibrary Loan (ILL) requests from our MSK collection in a timely manner for requesting libraries/users to help them fulfill their research needs in the pursuit of excellence in all their research activities. To our MSK community, our library is so much more than a print book collection! Our location in the Rockefeller Research Building offers knowledgeable Research Informationists that can help you with your research. I’m responsible for keeping our information technologies up to date for both new and established MSK researchers to acquire information and gather in an atmosphere beneficial to learning and discovery.

2. What projects have you been working on recently?
Lately I’ve been working to make sure our physical environment is inviting for our users. This includes having comfortable seating/workspaces, an installation of express iPad stations and charging stations, plus with our latest addition, the “Varidesks” (height adjustable workstations) for those that prefer to stand while working.

3. What is your favorite meal?
My favorite meal is steamed crab legs in garlic butter sauce with Old Bay Seasoning!