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Many people believe that library collections only contain books and other media materials. But housed within many collections are strange and unique artifacts or exhibitions. From locks of hair from former politicians to undecipherable manuscripts to historical medical equipment, libraries across the world contain items that users may not typically associate with research institutions. In honor of Halloween, this article will discuss a few eerie and uncommon library and museum collections and exhibits!  

A few weeks ago, many people learned that the Library of Congress is home to a large collection of musical instruments. But the Library also stores historical artifacts not found in any other institution in the world. For example, there is a collection of hair samples in the collection. The hair strands come from former presidents such as George Washington, James Madison and Ulysses S. Grant, musicians, writers and other artists like Walt Whitman and Ludwig van Beethoven and other figures. There’s even strands of hair from an unidentified person that was found in Clara Barton’s diary. “Nearly all of the hair stems from the 18th and 19th centuries, in the era before photographs were common and lockets of hair were seen as tokens that could be anything from romantic to momentous” (Tucker, 2022)

The Library of Congress also stores personal items from historical American figures. A bittersweet example is the list of personal effects that were in President Abraham Lincoln’s pocket on the night that he was assassinated. Some of the items include two pairs of spectacles, an embroidered handkerchief, several newspaper clippings, a single bank note and a pocket knife. While these items aren’t necessarily spooky or strange, they do offer a glimpse into the everyday life of an important historical figure and by extension reveal what was important to people in that time period. 

The National Museum of Health and Medicine in Silver Spring, Maryland is an institution dedicated to preserving and teaching the history of health sciences in the military. The museum is part of the Defense Health Agency Research and Engineering Directorate which falls under the Department of Defense. “The National Museum of Health and Medicine was established during the Civil War as the Army Medical Museum, a center for the collection of specimens and artifacts for research related to trauma and pathology.”(National Museum of Health and Medicine, 2022) There are several different exhibits on display including ‘The Legacy of Walter Reed,’ ‘Traumatic Brain Injury,’ ‘Civil War Medicine,’ and the virtual exhibit ‘Effects of Canister Shot in the Civil War: Skull of a soldier of the 54th Massachusetts Volunteers.’ The museum contains skeletal fragments, photographs and more educational materials that highlight the history of military health sciences and how war impacts the body. The National Museum of Health and Medicine is open Wednesday through Sunday and is free to the public! If you’re interested in exploring the collection in person, be sure to plan a visit. 

The Historical Medical Library and the Mutter Museum are two institutions that are affiliated with the College of Physicians of Philadelphia. The Historical Medical Library was founded in 1788 and includes “the archives of other Philadelphia medical institutions, College’s corporate archives, and letters, case books, and student notebooks that document the personal life and professional practice of doctors in the Philadelphia region and around the world.” (The Historical Medical Library, n.d.) The library maintains a virtual image library where visitors can look at digitized collection items. Their digital exhibits cover various themes such as health professionals during World War I, historical advertisements from drug manufactures and the evolution of human anatomy. 

The Mutter Museum is a publicly available institution that “displays its beautifully preserved collections of anatomical specimens, models and medical instruments in a nineteenth-century ‘cabinet museum’ setting.” (The Mutter Museum, n.d.) The museum started when Thomas Dent Mutter, MD, an American surgeon, donated his personal collection in the hopes of inspiring others to learn about health sciences and the human body. The Mutter Museum is open everyday, except Tuesday, from 10 am until 5 pm. Exhibits include the Hyrtl Skull Collection, The Soap Lady, and the Spit Spreads Death exhibit which cover the Influenza Pandemic of 1918-1919 in the Philadelphia area. 

Historical manuscripts are often stored and preserved in libraries. These documents cover various topics such as medicine, botany, astronomy and religion and are carefully preserved to maintain the author’s work and colorful and imaginative paintings found inside. Medieval manuscripts still captivate modern viewers because of the manuscripts’ depictions of famous myths and religious stories. Medieval manuscripts also reveal an ancient world that was fascinated with the strange and magical. Manuscripts such as A Dialog on Werewolfism by Claude Prieur and Book of magical charms have intrigued scholars and casual readers for years. But one of the most mysterious manuscripts is The Voynich Manuscript located in Yale University’s Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library. Researchers know little about the purpose of the manuscript, the author or the text written inside. No one has been successful in deciphering the text inside, despite many attempts at uncovering the code. The artwork inside depicts real and imaginary plant life and people in strange pools of water. 

The Voynich Manuscript remains a mysterious and prolific manuscript that will likely confuse researchers for years to come. 

Library and museum collections contain the strange and the mysterious. Many items in collections are our only tangible connection to past historical figures and provide a gateway for users to learn more about a certain time period. As Neely Tucker explains in a blog post from the Library of Congress “These items came in as a part of larger collections and we kept them because the Library is also a history of us, of humankind, and that messy history can’t all be contained on paper, vinyl, film and tape. These are some of the items that help give the tactile sense of bygone people who were about our size and height, who lived with the same phobias and desires that we do today. They offer a bit of needed spice, of raw humanity.” (Tucker, 2022). 

References:

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Portrait of Dr. Antonia Novello.
Photo By United States Department of Health and Human Services

Dr. Antonia Novello is a healthcare professional who for many decades focused on improving the health of women, children and those most vulnerable in modern society. 

She was born in Puerto Rico on August 23, 1944 and is the oldest of three children. During her childhood, Dr. Novello suffered from congenital megacolon which impacted her large intestine. Treatment options were available, but due to her family’s financial situation, Dr. Novella was unable to receive surgery to cure the condition until she was eighteen years old. This experience had a lasting impact on her and was one factor that inspired her to pursue a career in health sciences. Dr. Novello earned a multitude of degrees and certificates including a Bachelor of Science and a Doctor of Medicine from the University of Puerto Rico in 1965 and 1970 respectively and a master degree in Public Health from John Hopkins University in 1982.  

After marrying Joseph R. Novello and moving to Michigan, Dr. Antonia Novello completed an internship and residency in pediatrics and a fellowship in pediatrics nephrology. She took an interest in nephrology after a beloved family member died due to complications with their kidneys. Dr. Novello practiced medicine in a private office for two years, but eventually transitioned to work for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in 1978. Novello focused on health issues related to women, children and marginalized communities during her time at NIH. She was instrumental in the legislation that led to the creation of the national organ transplant registry and she also played a significant role in requiring all cigarette containers be labeled with a health warning. In 1989, President George H.W. Bush selected her as the new United States Surgeon General making her both the first woman and the first Hispanic American to fill the role. 

Novello served as the U.S. Surgeon General from 1990 until 1994 when the Clinton Administration began. During her tenure, Novello continued to advocate for women and children. “In March 1992, she and James S. Todd, executive vice-president of the American Medical Association (AMA), held a news conference at which they denounced the R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company’s advertisements featuring the cartoon character Joe Camel, because research showed that it appealed to young children.” (Meier et al., 1997, p. 272) Novello was also vocal about the alcohol industry’s marketing practices, particularly the industry’s use of advertisements which showed people skiing, surfing or mountain climbing with alcoholic beverages close by as it suggested people could perform these activities while consuming alcohol. Novello also raised awareness on domestic violence and its impact on women. (Meier et al. 1997)

After 1994, when a new Surgeon General was appointed, Novello continued to work within the healthcare industry until her retirement in the 2010s. Novello currently spends her time between Puerto Rico and Florida and is still an active advocate for the health needs of others. Most recently during the COVID-19 vaccine rollout, Novello spoke with parents and other community members of the importance of vaccination and even participated in local vaccination clinics and programs. And in August of 2021, she and other living former surgeon generals participated in a White House event where they discussed “getting information and access to vaccines to communities of color, who have been the hardest hit during the pandemic.” (Sesin, 2021)

Novello has received recognition for her work as a healthcare provider and public health advocate. Some of the awards she has received over the course of her career include “the Public Health Service Commendation Medal (1983); Congressional Hispanic Caucus Medal (1991); Order of Military Medical Merit Award (1992); and the James Smithson Bicentennial Medal (2002).” (Brandman, 2021) Dr. Antonia Novello’s lengthy career is inspirational for people committed to serving their communities and her legacy of speaking up for women and children will have profound effects for years to come. 

References:

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The Hispanic community is one of the fastest growing populations in the United States. According to census data, people who identified as Hispanic accounted for approximately half of the total population growth in the country between 2010 and 2020 and around 18.7% or 62.1 million Americans self-identify as Hispanic or Latino. (U.S. Census Bureau, 2021) Despite a significant presence in the country, less than 10% of all healthcare workers are Hispanic. Recent statistics and personal anecdotes suggest that having visible representation of Hispanic American healthcare workers will encourage more Hispanic individuals to pursue a career in the health sciences and allow Hispanic American patients to better connect with their healthcare provider.

On June 14, 2022, the Pew Research Center released a report entitled ‘Hispanic Americans’ Trust in and Engagement with Science.’ The report was based on survey data from nearly 15,000 U.S. adults and examined Hispanic Americans’ perceptions of both health sciences and the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) field. The authors note that overall “Hispanic adults hold largely trusting views of both medical scientists and scientists to act in the public’s interests. Hispanic adults’ encounters with the health and medical care system are varied, reflecting the diverse nature of the U.S. Hispanic population across characteristics such as nativity, language proficiency, gender, age and education.” (Funk & Lopez, 2022) Many Hispanic Americans have poor or no access to the healthcare field and for those able to regularly visit a healthcare provider, there are barriers to care, such as communication problems, that are present during these visits. The Pew Center report noted “Hispanic adults are less likely than other Americans to have health insurance and to receive preventative medical care.” (Funk & Lopez, 2022) Survey respondents shared many different opinions on the cause of health disparities within the Hispanic American population including working jobs with high health risks, language barriers, poverty and preexisting health conditions. When asked about solutions to address these health disparities many people responded that they believed increasing the visible representation of Hispanic healthcare workers would address these disparities. This sentiment is echoed by current Hispanic healthcare professionals:

Professional organizations such as the National Association of Hispanic Nurses and National Hispanic Medical Association connect Hispanic healthcare workers and develop meaningful communities. On the George Washington University campus, there is a local chapter Latino Medical Student Association. This organization will hold its 50th annual conference on January 27-28 in 2023 at John Hopkins University and the theme for the conference is “Un Futuro Para Todos: Highlighting Latino Innovation, Service, and Leadership in Medicine.” Registration for the conference is currently open and early bird prices are available until November 11th. To learn more about GWU’s Latino Medical Student Association, click here to view their website or email the organization at lmsa.gwsmhs@gmail.com.

Wandy D. Hernandez-Gordon writes in their personal narrative for AMA Journal of Ethics “Health professionals with cultural and language proficiency are critical to successful interventions, including health education, preventative medicine, and treatment. But these interventions are only the start in addressing the higher burdens and challenges that Latinos face in accessing quality health care. It is also critical to dissect and understand the systems and structures that both lead to and exacerbate health inequities.” (Hernandez-Gordon, 2022, p. 335) The Hispanic population in the United States continues to grow and it is important that they are able to access the full benefits of the healthcare system. In order to meet the needs of this diverse population, it’s important that more Hispanic healthcare professionals enter the field, share their experiences with their colleagues and collaborate with one another to offer long-lasting solutions.

References: 

Funk, C., & Lopez M.H. “Hispanic Americans’ Trust in and Engagement with Science.” Pew Research Center, Washington D.C. (June 14, 2022) https://www.pewresearch.org/science/2022/06/14/hispanic-americans-trust-in-and-engagement-with-science/

Hernandez-Gordon, W.D. (2022). Why Community Health Workers’ Roles in Latinx Communities Are Essential. AMA Journal of Ethics, 24(2), E333-339. https://doi.org/10.1001/amajethics.2022.333


United States Census Bureau. (2021). 2020 Census Illuminates Racial and Ethnic Composition of the Country. https://www.census.gov/library/stories/2021/08/improved-race-ethnicity-measures-reveal-united-states-population-much-more-multiracial.html

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On August 25, 2022, the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) published a memorandum that updated guidance on research funded by federal grants and called for the end of a 12-month embargo period. By 2025, published research that is funded by the federal government must be made available to the general public and key stakeholders and must no longer reside behind a paywall. Government agencies, academic libraries, and other research institutions are in the process of understanding this memo and updating their policies. Many institutions believe this new memo and guidance will radically change the academic publishing landscape. While this policy will likely advance a cultural shift towards open sciences, there are also likely new challenges related to the publication lifecycle that researchers are likely to encounter. In this post, we’ll provide a detailed explanation of the OSTP’s guidance, how this will impact researchers, and offer library resources to help prepare for the change. 

The memorandum entitled ‘Ensuring Free, Immediate, and Equitable Access to Federally Funded Research’ (also known as the Nelson memo), lists three recommendations for federal agencies:

  1. “Update their public access policies as soon as possible, and no later than December 31st, 2025, to make publications and their supporting data resulting from federally funded research publicly accessible without an embargo on their free and public release;
  2. Establish transparent procedures that ensure scientific and research integrity is maintained in public access policies; and, 
  3. Coordinate with OSTP to ensure equitable delivery of federally funded research results and data.” (Office of Science and Technology Policy, 2022, p. 1)

Dr. Alondra Nelson, Deputy Assistant to the President, explained later in the memo that “The insights of new and cutting-edge research stemming from the support of federal agencies should be immediately available–not just in moments of crisis, but in every moment. Not only to fight a pandemic, but to advance all areas of study, including urgent issues such as cancer, clean energy, economic disparities, and climate change” (Office of Science and Technology Policy, 2022, p. 2-3). Under the OSTP’s new guidance, researchers, journalists, members of the public, and other interested parties will be able to access new research as soon as it is published at no additional cost. This will provide the public with the opportunity to learn more about new innovations and experiments and it will allow other researchers to replicate or expand on existing research. 

The new guidance will allow for more collaboration as researchers combat complex topics such as climate change, future pandemics, and other global concerns. New research and data will be made freely available to the public, so researchers and institutions will need to address how to handle publication processing fees. While this new guidance won’t go into effect until 2025 and there are still questions about how specifically it will alter existing public access policies at government agencies like the NIH, the staff at Himmelfarb are here to assist researchers who may have questions about how the OSTP memo will impact their work. 

The Scholarly Communication Committee tutorial ‘How to include Article Processing Charges (APCs) in Funding Proposals’ is a great place to learn more about budgeting for article processing charges when creating a grant proposal. ‘Open Access and Your Research’ examines the different open access models and the consequences it has on your research. And if you’re unsure of how to find article processing charges, the tutorial ‘Locating Article Processing Charges (APCs)’ offers guidance on locating this information on a publisher’s website.  If you have specific questions about this new memo and would like to speak directly with a librarian,  please contact the library via phone, email, or chat. 

References:

Office of Science and Technology Policy. (2022). Ensuring Free, Immediate, and Equitable Access to Federally Funded Research. Author. 

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Infographic with red background that reads 'September is Sickle Cell Awareness Month.'

Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month occurs in September and it is a great opportunity to learn more about this inherited blood disorder that affects approximately 100,000 people in the United States and millions more across the world. 

Sickle cell disease is a blood disorder where red blood cells develop a distinct ‘sickle’ shape instead of the normal disc shape. These unusually shaped red blood cells are not flexible, thus making it difficult for the cells to travel through blood vessels. Because of the potential for blood vessels to get clogged, people living with sickle cell disease may experience extreme pain crises, strokes or other severe health complications. Sickle-shaped red blood cells usually last in the body between ten to twenty days and the body cannot quickly add new blood cells to replace the lost cells, thus people with this disorder are also likely to develop anemia. 

This disorder can affect anyone, but it is mostly commonly found in people of African descent and within the United States this disorder occurs in approximately one in every 365 African American children. There are also high concentrations of this disorder within Hispanic populations, where it is estimated that one in every 1,000-1,400 Hispanics Americans live with sickle cell disease. (MedlinePlus, 2020)

Testing is available to determine if someone has sickle cell disease or if they carry the trait. If a person has sickle cell disease, there are treatment plans to help manage pain, prevent red blood cells from taking on the sickle shape and prevent blood vessel clogs, but unfortunately the only potentially curative intervention for this disorder is a blood and bone marrow transplant. 

Researchers at the National Health, Lung and Blood Institute are actively looking for new treatment options and cures. The Center of Disease Control also has a Sickle Cell Data Collection program that tracks the disease in the country “to study long-term trends in diagnosis, treatment, and healthcare access for people with SCD (sickle cell disease)...The program helps to inform policy and healthcare standards that improve and extend the lives of people with SCD.) (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2021, para. 1)  Data from California and Georgia are currently available, while data from other several states will be made available in the future. 

If you are interested in spreading awareness about sickle cell disease, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute has created a social media toolkit with infographics, hashtags and sample posts that can be shared online. You can also help by donating blood. The American Red Cross is particularly interested in African American blood donors who can donate their blood to people living with sickle cell disease. Visit the American Red Cross website to find a local blood donation center or blood donation drive. If you’re interested in hearing the personal stories of people living with sickle cell disease, then visit the Stories of Sickle Cell which features stories, videos and a photoblog of life with this blood disorder. 

Himmelfarb also has resources to help you better understand this blood disorder. Some titles that may be of interest include:

If you have specific research questions, librarians are available to assist you and can be contacted through email, instant messaging, phone or by visiting the reference desk.

Sickle cell disease is the most common inherited disorder and impacts the quality of life for millions of people around the world. With current treatment options, people who live with sickle cell disease can manage their symptoms, while researchers continue to learn more about this disorder and search for additional cures.  

References:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (Updated: 2021). Sickle Cell Data Collection (SCDC) Program. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/hemoglobinopathies/scdc.html

MedlinePlus. (Updated: 2020). Sickle Cell Disease. https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/sickle-cell-disease/#frequency

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (Updated: 2022). Sickle Cell Disease. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/sickle-cell-disease

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Photo of a cardboard sign with black lettering that says 'Amplify Your Voice.'

Labor Day is a federal holiday that honors the accomplishments of the Labor Rights movement in the United States. The holiday first began on a smaller, local scale where community members would organize picnics, parades and other forms of celebration. Several states recognized these Labor Day celebrations and in 1894 after the Pullman Palace Car Company strike, where workers and federal troops clashed, the United States government designated the first Monday of every September as Labor Day, thus honoring the work of labor unions and workers who advocated for fair pay and a safer workplace.  

General History of Labor Rights Movement:

Many people are accustomed to the existence of the 40-hour work week, a minimum wage and a safe workplace. But for years, there were few laws that regulated working conditions, child labor or that mandated breaks for employees. Workers banded together to demand safer working conditions, fair pay, financial benefits in case of injury or death on the job and other employment benefits. This led to the creation of labor unions where workers could meet to share their grievances and present a unified front against employee exploitation. 

During the Industrial Revolution, which occurred from the late 1700s to the mid-1800s, it was common for factory workers to work lengthy shifts, every day of the week in factories or other industries where there were no safety measures in place. Young children worked alongside adults and manned powerful machines that could leave them severely injured or dead if there was an issue during production. 

To address these workplace concerns, labor unions organized strikes and other forms of resistance in an effort to force employers to improve working conditions:

“Many of these events turned violent during this period, including the infamous Haymarket Riot of 1886, in which several Chicago policemen and workers were killed. Others gave rise to long standing traditions: On September 5, 1882, 10,000 workers took unpaid time off to march from City Hall to Union Square in New York City, holding the first Labor Day parade in U.S. history.” (History.com, 2022)

While industrial cities began to celebrate an unofficial ‘Labor Day,’ it wasn’t until 1894 that the United States government officially established the first Monday in September as ‘Labor Day.’ This federal designation occurred after the tragic events in Chicago when violence broke out between striking employees of the Pullman Palace Car Company and federal troops who were sent to break up the strike. The arrival of the troops caused riots to occur, which led to the deaths of some of the workers. After this incident, the United States government recognized the strength of American workers. 

Two figures in frame. One places a small bandage on the shoulder of the other figure.

Labor Laws and HealthCare

There are three key pieces of legislation that protect workers in the workplace, with one law that is of particular importance for healthcare workers. The first law is the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) of 1938 which established the 40-hour work week, a minimum wage, overtime pay and ended child labor exploitation. Under this act, employers are also required to maintain accurate records of the number of hours an employee worked and the pay that they received as compensation. While teenagers can still be employed, the FLSA prevents young people from working in certain dangerous industries and limits the amount of hours they can work. These standards apply to the private sector and the Federal, State, and local governments. 

Following the Fair Labor Standards Act is the Occupational Safety and Health Act which was signed into law in 1970. According to section 5 of the Act, “Each employer– 1.) shall furnish to each of his employees employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to his employees; 2.) shall comply with occupational safety and health standards promulgated under this Act” (Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 1970). This act also established the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, also known as OSHA, which maintains and enforces workplace safety standards. 

The Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act is a federal law that provides an additional layer of protection to the workplace safety standards created by the Occupational Safety and Health Act. This act “revises the bloodborne pathogens standard, in effect under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 to include safer medical devices, such as sharps with engineered sharps injury protections and needleless systems, as examples of engineering controls designed to eliminate or minimize occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens through needlestick and other percutaneous injuries” (United States Congress, 2000). This particular law is important for healthcare workers who handle needles and other devices where they may come into close contact with pathogens or bodily fluids. 

In ‘Protecting Labor Rights: Roles for Public Health’ by Bhatia et. al, the authors write “Laws and standards on working conditions, including those for the minimum wage, the eight-hour work day, workplace safety, child labor, and collective bargaining, exist to prevent involuntary hazards and to assure that compensation for workers is sufficient to meet their basic economic needs. These working conditions are also understood to be social, economic, and physical determinants of health and health inequalities” (Bhatia et al., 2013, p. 39).  Labor Day is seen as one of the last summer holidays and a great time to rest in preparation for the remainder of the year. By understanding the hard fight labor unions and workers endured to create a more just and equitable work environment, we can continue to honor their legacy and advocate for additional employee protection and labor standards.  

Works Cited:

Labor Day 2022. (April 29, 2022).History.com. Retrieved August 30, 2022 from https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/labor-day-1

Occupational Safety and Health Administration. (1970). OSH Act of 1970. 

United States Congress. (2000). Summary: H.R. 5178–106TH Congress (1999-2000). 

Bhatia, Gaydos, M., Yu, K., & Weintraub, J. (2013). Protecting Labor Rights: Roles for Public Health. Public Health Reports, 128(6_suppl3), 39–47. https://doi.org/10.1177/00333549131286S307

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A person prepares to put a virtual reality headset on. Across from the person is an open laptop on a desk.

Did you know that Himmelfarb Library has two tools that allow you to interact with 3D anatomical models? Would you like to manipulate virtual anatomical models? Are you interested in performing ‘dissections’ with anatomical models?  BodyViz and the new Quest VR Headsets are two resources available to you!

BodyViz is an interactive anatomy visualization tool that allows you to view, study and manipulate 3D anatomical models. The BodyViz suite  is located on the 3rd floor near the Bloedorn Technology Center. Along with the large screen, the BodyViz toolkit includes a wireless mouse, keyboard, remote control and game controller. These tools will assist you in navigating the software and models. To use the BodyViz suite, you must reserve a time slot. You may reserve the suite for up to four hours and time slots are available in hour long increments. When using the BodyViz suite, please visit the Circulation Desk to check out the wireless keyboard and additional equipment. Make sure all items are returned at the end of your session. The BodyViz Research Guide provides additional information including a Quick Start Guide which provides step-by-step instruction on how to use the software and wireless devices. There is also a Troubleshooting guide in case you encounter issues with the software or devices. 

Himmelfarb Library recently acquired two Quest VR devices which are equipped with Medicalholodeck, a medical virtual reality platform. Medicalholodeck comes with three different educational features: Anatomy Master XR, Dissection Master XR and Medical Imaging XR. With Anatomy Master and Medical Imaging XR, you can view models with another Quest VR headset user. There is a new VR Headsets Research Guide that provides additional information about the capabilities of the headsets, information on how to use the headsets and the accompanying software and an overview on how to navigate the user interface in Medicalholodeck. Visit the Circulation Desk on the library’s first floor if you’re interested in checking out the VR headsets. Also, be sure to reserve a study room so you’re able to use the headsets without obstruction. 
BodyViz and Quest VR headsets with Medicalholodeck are two excellent educational tools available for use. If you encounter any issues while using one of these resources, please contact Brian McDonald at bmcdonald@gwu.edu, Ian Roberts at imroberts@gwu.edu or the library at himmelfarb@gwu.edu.

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The staff at Himmelfarb Library are committed to providing the academic and research support you need throughout your time at George Washington University. This post provides information on downloadable applications and features that will help you stay organized, maintain focus while studying or help you take high quality notes. If there’s a study app or feature you’d like to highlight, let us know in the comments! 

Box- Box is an online storage management system that protects your documents and allows you to access them through the Box website or app. Save your lecture notes, essays or research notes on the platform and download them onto a new device, such as your phone or tablet, at any time. Box also allows for collaboration. Simply share the file or folder link with a colleague and assign them editing privileges. Any changes made to a file will be automatically saved to your Box drive, so you never have to worry that you may lose information. Your GWU user ID grants you access to Box and many of its features including Box for Office Online and Box for Google Workspace. Let Box help you stay organized this academic year. 

Focus Mode for Smart Devices- It can be difficult concentrating on an assignment or studying for a test when your phone, laptop or tablet is sending constant alerts for new messages or app notifications. The focus mode is an integrated feature for many current smart devices and is easy to activate. When this mode is in use, it will automatically silence unwanted phone calls, text messages, app notifications or other distracting alerts. During set up, you can allow notifications from certain apps or listings in your contacts so you can receive emergency notifications from friends or relatives. Depending on your device, you can create a schedule so your phone will automatically enter and exit focus mode during certain times. If you’d like to develop a consistent sleeping schedule, then many devices include a Sleep Mode that works similar to the Focus Mode. For Android users, this feature is located in the ‘Digital Wellbeing and Parental Controls’ section under your settings. For Apple users, this feature is located in the ‘Focus’ section under your settings. 

Note taking Apps- There are an assortment of note taking apps available for smart devices. One of the most popular note taking apps for the iPad is GoodNotes 5 which allows you to take unique and detailed notes, mark up PDF files and store your notes in one location for later reference. The app is free to download, though after your first three notebooks you will need to pay a one time fee of $7.99. Another popular note taking app is Notability which includes many of the same features as GoodNotes. Notability is free to download, but you must pay a fee to access all of the features and tools. CollaNote is a free note taking app that is regularly updated by the developers and offers a similar experience as both GoodNotes and Notability. 

Interested in more resources to help you prepare for the new semester? Read our previous posts ‘Back to School Tips & Tricks’ and ‘Cool Tools: Back to School Edition’ for more resources and tips from Himmelfarb staff on how to succeed this academic year. Be sure to subscribe to Himmelfarb Library News to receive notifications for newly published articles on library resources, health sciences history, research support and more. 

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The vast reach of medical misinformation, particularly on social media, is a pressing issue for healthcare professionals. With the COVID-19 pandemic and the emerging Monkeypox public health crisis, physicians and researchers continue to educate the general public on safe, research-tested, effective treatment plans. But engaging in conversations about the dangers of medical misinformation is difficult, especially if the participants believe they are unable to speak openly without ridicule or judgment. Himmelfarb’s new Correcting Misinformation with Patients research guide provides resources, readings, educational videos and more to help you navigate conversations with your patients when addressing medical misinformation. 

Correcting medical misinformation is important because many people do not have the background or expertise to assess the accuracy of information that is spread via social media. This can cause lasting harm that could even result in serious illness or death. A recent NPR article examined how some patients rely on unproven and dangerous COVID-19 treatment plans:

“But for Americans like Stephanie who don’t trust the medical establishment, there’s a network of fringe medical doctors, natural healers and internet personalities ready to push unproven cures for COVID. And a shady black market where you can buy them. Stephanie was plugged into that alternative medical network, and doctors say it ultimately cost her life.” [Brumfiel, 2022]

While this research guide is filled with valuable resources, consider starting with the Narrative & Graphic Medicine section which offers a definition of ‘graphic medicine,’ medicine related graphics and books, and more to help you engage with patients. The Misinformation and Cultural Competency tab contains information that explores how to engage with different cultural groups in a respectful manner. Finally, the Communication Techniques tab offers communication methods you can use with your patients. 

In the Confronting Health Misinformation advisory document from the Office of the Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek H. Murthy writes “Limiting the spread of health misinformation is a moral and civic imperative that will require a whole-of-society effort.” [Office of the Surgeon General, 2021]. Our Correcting Misinformation with Patients Guide will empower you to engage in open, respectful dialogue with your patients and provide them with the resources to locate accurate health information. 

References:

Brumfiel, G. (2022, July 19). Doubting mainstream medicine, COVID patients find dangerous advice and pills online. NPR. npr.org

Office of the Surgeon General. (2021). Confronting Health Misinformation: The U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory on Building a Healthy Information Environment.

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Photo of three individuals talking. One person is in a power chair, another leans against the wall and the third stands with their cane.
Photo Credit: Disabled and Here Photo Collection

On July 26, 1990, President George H.W. Bush signed the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) into law which provided legal protections for disabled people. To commemorate the signing of this key piece of legislation, July 26th is known as National Disability Independence Day. 

According to ADA.gov, “The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in everyday activities...The ADA guarantees that people with disabilities have the same opportunities as everyone else to enjoy employment opportunities, purchase goods and services, and participate in state and local government programs.” (U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division, 2022) The ADA defines a person with a disability as someone who:

  • Has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities
  • Has a history or record of such an impairment (such as cancer that is in remission), or
  • Is perceived by others as having such an impairment (such as a person who has scars from a severe burn). (U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division, 2022)
An image of a person placing a hearing aid into their ear.
Photo Credit: Disabled and Here Photo Collection

The ADA is split into five subsections which details the protections disabled people are given. While the ADA prevents discrimination against disabled people due to their disabilities, many disability activists remain vocal about the inequalities disabled people continue to face. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, many disability rights activists spoke up on how COVID safety measures were key to keeping disabled and severely ill people safe. When these measures were lifted  many disabled people were unable to fully participate in society:

“Disability rights and inclusion activist Imani Barbarin started the #MyDisabledLifeIsWorthy hashtag…in response to [CDC Director Dr. Rochelle] Walensky’s Jan. 7 appearance on Good Morning America, in which the presence of underlying conditions in those who have died from COVID-19 was framed as ‘encouraging news’...That Walensky’s remarks angered so many in the disability community–who took to Twitter to speak out about feeling unprotected and unvalued at a time when opposition to mask-wearing and vaccine mandates remains considerable, and accessibility is compromised–is emblematic of nearly two years of ongoing frustration with a society that is rushing to return to business as usual while leaving high-risk individuals isolated and vulnerable.”

(Pagano, 2022)

Disability rights activists point out that accessibility features allow disabled people to engage with society and also benefits able bodied people. As disability rights activist Kings Floyd notes in their TEDx talk Lessons in Making Aging Accessible, From a Millenial: “If we cannot support the community in which we live everyday, to be able to connect, to be able to socialize, to be able to be accessible, we are not planning for our future and we are not planning for our success.” (Floyd, 2019)

The movement for equal rights for disabled people has a long history and is still active today. A Disability History of the United States (available through the ConsortiumLoan Service) provides a detailed account of the disability rights movement and key figures. Other important books that cover this topic include Twenty-Two Cents an Hour: Disability Rights and the Fight to End Subminimum Wages, Accessible America: A History of Disability and Design and Disability Rights, Benefits, and Support Services Sourcebook. NPR’s Independence Day For Americans with Disabilities focuses on the fight for the Americans with Disabilities Act. Judith Heumann’s TED talk Our Fight for Disability Rights–and Why We’re Not Done Yet is a personal narrative about the fight for accessible facilities and job opportunities. Lastly there is the Disability Visibility Project which is an online storytelling website that publishes work by disabled creators.

An image of a person dressed in all black standing with a cane in front of two large glass windows.
Photo Credit: Disabled and Here Photo Collection

References:

Floyd, K. (2019, December 13). Lessons in Making Aging Accessible, From a Millenial. YouTube.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DsWPbi-XTK4&t=1s

Pagano, J. (2022, January 23). #MyDisabledLifeIsWorthy highlights disability community’s pandemic frustrations: ‘We are seen as collateral damage’. Yahoo!News. 

U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division. (2022). Introduction to the Americans with Disabilities Act. https://beta.ada.gov/topics/intro-to-ada/

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