An OskiCat import filter is available for EndNote users. Download the new filter from the EndNote website, under the name "University of California-Berkeley Library Catalog".

A connection filter that allows you to search OskiCat from within EndNote is not currently available but is in the works. Check back soon - we will be posting more information when it is ready!

UC Berkeley is changing its VPN (Virtual Private Network) service. Current VPN users should download and install the new VPN client software by August 12. The new VPN client, called AnyConnect, includes a "Library VPN" option. As before, you need to run the VPN software before accessing licensed library resources, and turn it off when your session is over. For details and installation instructions, see the UCB library VPN page. Even more details are available from Campus IS&T.

If you are using the VPN just to access SciFinder, you might want to try the web version of SciFinder that is accessible through the library proxy server. In order to use the web version, you must both register and configure your web browser to access the library proxy server.

Comparative effectiveness research (CER) identifies what works best for whom under what circumstances. Congress, in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009, tasked the Institute of Medicine (IOM) to recommend national priorities for research questions to be addressed by CER and supported by ARRA funds. In its 2009 report, Initial National Priorities for Comparative Effectiveness Research, the authoring committee establishes a working definition of CER, develops a priority list of research topics to be undertaken with ARRA
funding using broad stakeholder input, and identifies the necessary requirements to support a robust and sustainable CER enterprise. The full list of priorities and recommendations can be found online and include many preventive measures:

Compare the effectiveness of primary prevention methods, such as exercise and balance training, versus clinical treatments in preventing falls in older adults at varying degrees of risk.

Compare the effectiveness of school-based interventions involving meal programs, vending machines, and physical education, at different levels of intensity, in preventing and treating overweight and obesity in children and adolescents.

Compare the effectiveness of interventions (e.g., community-based multi-level interventions, simple health education, usual care) to reduce health disparities in cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, musculoskeletal diseases, and birth outcomes.

TOXMAP, a Geographic Information System (GIS) from the National Library of Medicine's Division of Specialized Information Services, has added some spiffy new features:

The TOXMAP widget allows you to launch a TOXMAP search from your blog, wiki, or Web page. Enter a ZIP code into the widget to see a map of Toxic Release Inventory facilities and Superfund NPL sites, or click "More info" to go to the TOXMAP home page. 

The TOXMAP Toolbar lets you search TRI releases, Superfund National Priorities List (NPL) sites by contaminant, or TRI facilities and Superfund NPL sites by ZIP code -- all from your browser search box.

TOXMAP also has updated mortality data to "layer" onto your map.

As of Friday, May 22, the Public Health Library will be open Monday-Friday, 9am to 5pm.

Wednesday May 20 is the last day we will be open in the evening; on Thursday, May 21, we will close at 5pm. Evening and weekend hours will resume in the fall.

Enjoy your summer!