Vera P. Shiffman Medical Library Outreach Advisory Council

Vision:
An informed, healthy and thriving community.

Mission:
Be a gateway to reliable health information by developing
partnerships that educate, engage and empower the community.

Services:

Special events and activities are free and open to the community with RSVP. When current events are planned they will be featured on our Featured Events page. 

Need health information for yourself or a loved one?
Try our Health News and Information website:Health News and Information. Guests can also use Wayne State University's public wireless service to access consumer health information on campus. 

VERA P. SHIFFMAN MEDICAL LIBRARY COMMUNITY USE POLICY

Vera P. Shiffman Medical Library is dedicated to empowering both our campus and the broader community to become informed health information consumers. We believe that access to reliable and accurate health information supports the well-being of individuals and communities. Shiffman Medical Library is committed to providing available relevant resources that promote informed decision-making regarding one’s health and wellness.

Policy Purpose

This policy provides guidelines and expectations for community users who wish to access and use the resources of the Shiffman Medical Library for health-related ­research. We provide access to medical and consumer health information for informational purposes only when available. The information provided by or accessed through ­Shiffman Medical Library is not intended to provide a diagnosis, offer guidance or recommendations and does not replace advice, consultations or treatments with licensed healthcare providers. We reserve the right to modify or discontinue these policies with or without advance notice.

Access to Library Resources and Select Services

1. Eligibility: Individuals and members of non-profit organizations are welcome to use the library's medical and consumer health resources.
2. Resources & Information Assistance: Community users may access a range of resources, including but not limited to books, journals, databases, and electronic resources related to health and medical information when visiting Shiffman Medical Library. Shiffman librarians and staff can assist with identifying medical and consumer health information in restricted, licensed resources, providing up to approximately 10 printed pages.
3. Technology & Services: Shiffman library does not have dedicated community computers, users are welcomed to use Wayne State University public Wi-Fi to peruse consumer health websites and some research databases using their personal devices. For a current list of suggested research databases, websites and eBooks, please visit,  https://guides.lib.wayne.edu/shiffmanoutreach/research.  
4. Hours of Operation: Community users can visit Shiffman library during designated hours. Current hours are posted on the library's website and at the library entrance, Shiffman Medical Library. Community members can also send requests for consumer health information to askmed@wayne.edu. Please allow time for librarians to respond to information requests.
5. Access & Security: Per building guidelines, guests will be asked to sign-in and show ID at the security guard desk.

Guidelines for Library Use

1. Library Environment: All users including community users are expected to maintain a low noise volume and a respectful environment conducive to study and research. Disruptive behavior, including excessive noise, misuse of property and excessive food is not permitted.
2. Use of Information: The health information provided by Shiffman Medical Library is intended for informational purposes only. It should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Community users are strongly encouraged to consult with a licensed healthcare provider for any medical concerns.
3. Borrowing Privileges: Community users may have limited borrowing privileges, depending on their membership type and the library’s lending policies. Specific borrowing terms and conditions are provided on the following website, Guest borrowing.
4. Use of Study Spaces: Community users are welcome to review printed material in the library atrium. Study rooms and designed quiet study areas are for Wayne State University medical students. Please do not leave personal belongings unattended, the library is not responsible for damaged, lost or stolen items.

Limitations and Disclaimers

1. No Medical Advice: The library staff does not provide medical advice or interpretation of health information. All information provided by Shiffman Medical Library should be used for informational purposes only.
2. Liability: The library is not liable for any damage or loss due to misinformation resulting from the use of information obtained from library resources. Users assume full responsibility for how they interpret and use the information provided. Users should review medical and health information with their health care providers.
3. Resource Limitations: The availability of certain resources may be limited due to licensing agreements. For assistance searching and accessing licensed resources to locate consumer health information for personal health needs, please seek assistance from a Shiffman librarian by sending an email to askmed@wayne.edu. Visit Shiffman Medical Library’s Outreach Resource Guide for additional information resources, https://guides.lib.wayne.edu/shiffmanoutreach.

Compliance

By utilizing resources and services at Shiffman Medical Library, community users agree to comply with this policy and uphold the responsibilities therein. Together, we can foster the advancement of a well-informed community through access to reliable medical and consumer health information.

Failure to comply with this policy may result in restricted access to library resources, revocation of library privileges, or other appropriate actions. For more information about this policy or to inquire about access to library resources, please contact the director of the Shiffman Medical Library at askmed@wayne.edu.

Vera P. Shiffman Medical Library is a designated Outreach Library for the National Library of Medicine, National Network of Libraries of Medicine, Greater Midwest Region.

Outreach Libraries assist the Greater Midwest Region of the National Network of Medical Libraries (GMR NN/LM) with expanding the awareness of and access to National Library of Medicine (NLM) resources by teaching classes, providing document delivery services, partnering with affiliate members of the network to conduct outreach projects, and exhibiting and/or presenting at community events or meetings.

2016 - 2021 | We will resume meeting in the near future.

LaVentra E. Danquah, MLIS | Library Director
Wayne State University
Shiffman Medical Library

Sandra Martin, MLS | Emeritus
Wayne State University
Shiffman Medical Library

Shawn Bennis, MSN, RN
Henry Ford Health System,
Ad-hoc

Jena Baker-Calloway, MPH
Michigan State University
Detroit Center

Jason Brooks, Ph.D.
Wayne State University
School of Medicine

Mary Kordyban, MLIS
Detroit Public Library Main Branch

Jennifer Mendez, Ph.D.
Wayne State University
School of Medicine

Wendi Winston, MLIS
Michigan State University
College of Osteopathic Medicine

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Shiffman Medical Library Outreach Advisory Council meets monthly to plan community programs and events. For more information about the advisory council or programs contact LaVentra E. Danquah, Shiffman Medical Library Director, 313-577-9083 or laventra@wayne.edu.