[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 140 (Thursday, October 9, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1993]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     IN RECOGNITION OF OCTOBER AS NATIONAL MEDICAL LIBRARIANS MONTH

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                          HON. MAJOR R. OWENS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 9, 1997

  Mr. OWENS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize October as National 
Medical Librarians Month, and to honor the more than 5,000 medical 
librarians working in hospitals, academic health centers and libraries 
across the country for their role in improving the health of all 
Americans by increasing access to health care information.
  As a former librarian, I can appreciate the specialized skills needed 
in today's electronic information age to access, filter and evaluate 
the most up-to-date medical information for the medical community and 
for the general public. The ability of medical librarians to maneuver 
quickly through the wealth of health care information on the Internet, 
and to identify the most credible, relevant and appropriate sources of 
information for each request, underscores the increasing importance 
medical librarians will play in the future.
  Studies show information provided by medical librarians improves 
patient outcomes. Physicians report a reduction in mortality, hospital 
admissions, surgery, and hospital acquired infections due to 
information obtained by medical librarians. They say information from 
the medical librarians allows them to make more accurate diagnoses, 
reduce unnecessary tests, select more appropriate drugs, and give 
accurate and current information and advice to their patients.
  As we celebrate National Medical Librarians Month, I also honor the 
longstanding partnership between the medical library community and the 
National Library of Medicine [NLM] at the National Institutes of 
Health. For over a century, medical librarians have benefitted from the 
extraordinary work being done at NLM, the world's premiere medical 
library. Through access to NLM's state-of-the-art medical databases and 
telemedicine project sites, medical librarians are able to provide 
doctors and patients, often in underserved rural and urban areas, with 
the most current and accurate health-related information.
  Mr. Speaker, as we move into the 21st century, it is clear that the 
advancement of telecommunications technology will continue to 
revolutionize the delivery of health care in America. I believe by 
being wired to the world, medical librarians will lead the health care 
industry in this revolution.
  During the month of October, I ask all Members to join me in saluting 
this county's medical librarians for their role in keeping America 
better informed about health care and encouraging more active 
participants in the health status of this country.

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