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Author: bsmith91

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At the beginning of this month, Science released a comprehensive article that weighed the costs and benefits of an open-access publication model for scientific publishing. Titled ‘A new mandate highlights cost, benefits of making all scientific articles free to read,’ the article provides evidence for the benefits and challenges of the open access model on the scientific publishing landscape. We highly recommend reading the entire article for a complete understanding of an important conversation in the scholarly publication world. Here is a brief overview of open access and how it differs from the subscription based model.

An open access publication model allows for readers to access and read scholarly publications without needing to pay a subscription fee or other fee to the publisher. This model is in contrast to a subscription based model in which there is a paywall or other fee that must be paid before accessing the scholarly article. With open access articles, researchers can potentially disseminate their work to a larger, more diverse audience. The immediacy in which the article is available allows for researchers to contribute to the larger, ongoing research within their specific subset of the scientific community. The open access publication model impacts readers too. This model can draw in readers from different walks of life. From primary school teachers and their students to science enthusiasts who are interested in a certain topic to faculty members or staff affiliated with an academic institution, the open access model allows these individuals to engage with scholarly publication without paying a significant fee. 

Open access is not without its limitations. If publishers move away from a subscription based model, they must find a way to offset that lost revenue. Publishers, researchers and institutions must wrestle with who is responsible for any new costs that arise from open access publishing. Some publishers have instituted an open access publishing fee to help recoup financial losses. But these fees can be hefty for researchers and academic institutions. For now, there’s no indication that the open access model will overtake a subscription based model. 

These conversations are ongoing and chances are the open-access model won’t completely overtake the traditional, subscription based model in the near future. As researchers and scholars, these conversations have an impact on your career and the broader scientific community and it’s important to understand how the landscape may or may not change. If you have any questions about open-access articles or any scholarly publishing questions, please contact Himmelfarb staff at himmelfarb@gwu.edu.

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Published on 1 Comment on Healthy Living: How to Stay Cozy this Winter

Winter can be a difficult time for some people. From the frigid temperatures, to the constant gray days, to the snow that we’re forced to dig through after a storm, winter is often met with extreme distaste or contempt when it arrives. But winter is also time to hunker down and enjoy some comforts in our homes. Hygge is a Danish cultural concept that encourages making room for coziness and comfort in our busy lives. If you’re looking for ways to incorporate hygge into your life or if you just want to experience a low stress winter, then check out this short list.

  1. Light a candle or melt a cube of fragrant wax- Sometimes the easiest way to change a space is to light a candle and enjoy the new scent that fills the air. Stock up on different scents or pick your favorite and stick to it. Personally, my current favorite candle smells like a library and has hints of leather and sandalwood. It sits on my desk and I typically light it just before sitting down to work. Want a safe alternative to a traditional candle? Consider using wax melts which work just as well as any candle without the potential fire hazard. 
  2. Wear your softest pajamas- If it’s an extremely cold day, nothing makes me feel cozy like putting on a pair of my favorite pajamas and lounging around the house. From sweatpants and t-shirts to soft cotton nightgowns or even a onesie or long johns, pajamas are great for putting you in a state of relaxation. For an extra dose of comfort, consider popping them in the dryer for a good 10-15 minutes. The warmth will likely make you sleepy and will be the perfect excuse to curl up and take a nap in the middle of the day. 
  3. Enjoy a mug of your favorite warm beverage- Tea, hot chocolate, coffee, warm cider with spices added to it. These are just a few hearty, warm drinks that are perfect for the days when the temperatures are in the forties or lower. Grab a favorite mug and curl up on the couch with your drink of choice. Add slices of fruit or different spices, such as cinnamon or nutmeg, to your drinks for extra flavor. I’m a fan of dropping a piece of candy cane into my hot chocolate and sipping on it throughout the day. 
  4. Watch a comfort film/show or read a favorite book- If you have a free day, but no idea how to spend it, consider putting on a favorite film/show or rereading a book that you adore. I’m a fan of a Great British Baking Show marathon on rainy or snowy days. If you want to watch or read something new, pick something heartwarming that will leave you in a good mood. Be sure to have a cozy blanket or throw nearby to drape over you as you relax. 
  5. Enjoy a favorite meal or try a new recipe- One of my greatest winter pleasures is enjoying a warm bowl of ramen from a local shop. This is a great reward after a long week. Consider ordering a meal from your favorite restaurant and pair it with your drink of choice. Want to save money instead? Prepare a meal at home. There are countless soup recipes out on the web. Or experiment and concoct your own perfect, winter soup. 
  6. Mix and combine to your heart’s content- There’s no one way to experience a cozy winter. Wear your favorite pajamas while enjoying a midday cup of tea. Commit to no social media or breaking news alerts and dig into a book that sat on your nightstand for months. Search the internet for a new hearty recipe and make a huge pot to enjoy over the next few days. Light a candle and stare out the window. (Energetic squirrels love to play in our backyard and I love watching them while I nurse a cup of tea.) Find what works for you and fit it into your schedule as often as you like or need. 

This time of year is hard and with 2020 being a challenging year, this winter may feel ever more difficult. Take the time to care for yourself and use this list to maintain a cozy, warm atmosphere in your home.

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A photo of a table setting with two drinking glasses, a basket filled with corn and small gourds. There is a plate with a paper napkin and a fork on top. A brown paper tag with 'Thank You' written on it is tied to the fork.

The end of the year is the perfect time for self-reflection and expressing gratitude towards the people, places and moments that made the year special. This year it feels more important than ever to pause and find moments that fill us with a sense of peace and gratitude. When asked what they’re thankful for, the Himmelfarb staff had plenty to say. Here are some of the many responses we are thankful this year:

Friends, Family & Other Amazing Individuals:

  • “I am thankful for my beautiful backyard and son who loves to grill. They made it possible to have safe, socially distanced family dinners all summer.”
  • “I am thankful that I am in relatively good health and that my family is healthy and we have what we need to make it through these tough times.”
  • “Of all the things that transpired in 2020, I am most grateful for the outcomes of my family four immediate members that have looked Covid-19 in the face and come through this scourge. I am also grateful for the arrival of my first great-granddaughter, a glimmer of joy in an otherwise dim year!”
  • “I’m grateful for time with my family. My husband and I have two teenagers who are more and more independent, but I’ve loved getting more time with just the four of us.”
  • “I’m grateful that everyone in my family is healthy and well, and grateful for the company of my immediate family (including my kitties) who are home with me.”
  • “I am grateful for my family. I am grateful for Zoom because my father’s side of the family has been meeting every Friday night since March and it has been so reconnecting, refreshing and energizing for us!”
  • “I’m grateful that, everyday, I get to come home to my Sweetie and our tuxedo cats.”
  • “I am so thankful for my family, my fantastic boyfriend, and my Himmelfarb coworkers! Also I am very thankful for the wonderful holiday food that is about to come.”
  • “I’m grateful to still have my dad, who’s been dealing with a lot of health issues this year, with us and (relatively) healthy.”
  • “I’m grateful that I can still connect with friends and family who live in different states.”
  • “I am grateful for all the amazing teachers and child-care providers who are willing to hang out with my kids all day at considerable risk to themselves so that I can work. Those people were always fantastic and this year they get even more points for being some of the best humans on the planet.”
  • “I am grateful to all my friends! Ever since quarantine I have missed them so much. Staying in contact with them has been so important to my mental health and well-being!”
Photograph of the corner of steps leading to a door. On the ground is a medium sized pumpkin. On the first steps is a smaller pumpkin. White boots sit on the topmost step.

Self-Fulfillment:

  • “I think that one thing that I’m super thankful for during 2020 is that I’ve finally been given permission to thrive as an introvert...I’ve truly embraced the ‘safer at home’ mantra during these past nine months and am grateful that I can embrace my inner introvert and that the pressure to socialize has subsided.”
  • “One unifying theme of the various relationships, friends, families, opportunities, etc. I am thankful for this year: connection...While I have found that the transition to remote work and constant screen time has tended toward speeding me up, opportunities to connect with others, with nature, and with myself, keep me from running away.”
  • “This year I was able to meet regularly with women who love to write and talk about storytelling. We meet every Saturday from 1-4 pm via Zoom and spend most of our time working on our individual different writing projects. It’s helped me develop my skills as a writer and storyteller. And it’s nice to write with a small group of people who are dedicated to their craft.”
  • “I’m grateful for my art classes that transition to a virtual classroom setting and for my watercolor teacher for creating a Facebook group where we can post our paintings and continue to support each other in our art journeys.”
  •  “I’m also grateful for my garden which has helped to keep me occupied and enjoying time outdoors.”
  • “I have a new appreciation for DC’s proximity to national parks and hiking trails. Getting to visit my favorite hiking spots and finding new parks to explore this summer and fall has been great.”

What are you thankful for this year? Who or what made 2020 special for you? However you spend Thanksgiving on Thursday, we hope you continue to stay safe, cherish the time with loved ones and enjoy some excellent food!

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For many, Halloween is the first holiday that signals the start of the numerous celebrations that carry us through the rest of the year. This year Halloween will require us to stretch our imagination and find safe and innovative ways to have fun and celebrate with our friends and family while being mindful of the global pandemic. If you’re in need of ideas, here is a short list of ways to celebrate this year's Halloween!

  • Halloween Candy Chute-If you live in an area with a high volume of trick-or-treaters, then you may find yourself wondering how to pass out candy while maintaining social distancing guidelines. Well the Candy Chute is here to help! Easy to make and install, it requires a quick trip to your local hardware store and some pieces of PVC pipes that you can set up near your front door. Feel free to add any spooky or scary decorations to cover the chute. And be sure to have plenty of candy to send down the slide!
  • Zoom Costume Party/Contest- One of the best parts of any Halloween is dressing up in a costume and attending parties with your closest friends. Thankfully with the aid of Zoom or Webex, it’s possible to still have a celebration and show off your costume. Gather as many friends as you can, play some classic spooky music and show off your outfit. If you want to have an extra bit of fun, turn it into a competition! Create categories and find small tokens to use as trophies. Need a category suggestion? Why not give an award for ‘Best DIY Costume?’ Want to prepare food during the party? Be sure to read our upcoming blog post on Halloween snacks that will go live this Friday!
  • Scary Movie Night Marathon- From Hulu, to Netflix, to classic Halloween movies on Disney+ there are numerous platforms that hold treasure troves of scary films. Whether it’s a goofy, action/adventure film with cheap scares or the latest nail-biting horror movie, there are countless titles available for your viewing pleasure. Need an idea of what films to watch? Check out our blog post this Wednesday that will feature some of Himmelfarb’s staff member’s favorite Halloween movies. 
  • Read a Horror Novel- Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. Pet Sematary by Stephen King. The Tell-Tale Heart by Edgar Allen Poe. These are just a few stories and books people think of for tales that send a shiver down your spine. Light a candle, make a cup of your favorite tea or coffee blend and try to relax as you read about the strange, creepy places and the characters that may haunt your dreams. Want to read a new spooky book? Consider picking up The Ballad of Black Tom by Victor LaValle, Fledgling by Octavia Butler, The Good House by Tananarive Due or Beloved by Toni Morrison. 
  • Search for the Best Decorated Home- Scrolling through social media, you may have already spotted pictures and videos of people decorating their houses with fake cobwebs, glowing orange lights and large, felt spiders scattered across their lawns. If you want to stretch your legs and escape your home or apartment for a while, why not pile into your car or put on your mask and go for a quick walk around the neighborhood to admire any decorated houses in the area. Maybe it will spark ideas for how to decorate your own home next year!

These are just a few of the many ways you can celebrate Halloween this year! Regardless of how you decide to celebrate, be sure to have fun and stay safe!

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The Health Sciences Research Commons continues to grow on a daily basis, allowing medical and health sciences researchers and scholars affiliated with the George Washington University to disseminate their research around the world. As we review our highlights from last year and this year, we’re happy to announce that “Improved Outcomes Associated With an Early Mobilization Protocol Among Hip and Knee Replacement Patients” by Emily Emma, a graduate of the Doctor of Nursing Practice program, is currently one of the HSRC’s most accessed articles. This entry has garnered over 5000 downloads between August 2019 and October 2020 and in total has been downloaded over 9,000 times since it was first archived in the repository in late 2017. As an online repository, the HSRC is an easily accessible tool that has countless benefits for scholars and researchers who are in the early stages of their careers or those who are relatively new to the world of academic publishing. 

Archiving your work within the HSRC allows you to contribute to the ongoing dialogue within the medical research field. For students who wish to preserve any final presentations or research papers, the HRSC provides a working link that can be placed on a resume or CV. Your work is also discoverable via Google Scholar or other search engines. If you are unsure of what to do with a final project, presentation or poster, consider archiving it within the HSRC!

Have additional questions about the HSRC and how it can help you? Reach out to Sara Hoover, the Metadata and Scholarly Publishing Librarian,via email at shoover@gwu.edu. If you have research that you would like to archive within the repository, please send an email to hsrc@gwu.edu. We’re more than happy to archive your work and help you share it with the global medical research community! 

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Podcasts are an excellent way to learn new skills, stay engaged in culturally relevant conversations or reinforce your preexisting knowledge about a specific topic. From Spotify to Apple Podcasts to YouTube, there are numerous applications available that let you listen to the latest podcasts while on the go. Podcasts are a great resource that can help you both in and out of a classroom or clinical setting. 

Himmelfarb Library is excited to announce a new guide on podcasts for medical and health sciences professionals, students, and researchers. Whether you are an avid podcast listener or new to the medium, we hope you will find a podcast that speaks to you! We are also seeking recommendations for podcasts to be included on the guide and would love to feature you and your favorite podcast in a blog post or tweet. 

You might listen to podcasts while running or doing the dishes. You may select episodes that are the same duration as your commute time. You could look for podcasts to reinforce lessons from a recent course lecture, provide updates on articles in your favorite journal, or spark new directions for inquiry and research. Looking for the inside scoop on NIH funding? There’s a podcast for that. There are as many reasons to listen to podcasts as there are listeners and nearly as many different podcasts, too! We hope our new guide will help you find your next favorite. 

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The 2019-2020 academic year was a period of extensive growth for our institutional repository, the Health Sciences Research Commons (HSRC). Despite the COVID-19 pandemic uprooting our normal way of life, medical researchers have adjusted to the interruption to their workflow and publication output remains strong. As we settle into a new academic year, let’s take a moment to reflect on some of the HSRC’s highlights from last year. 

From September 2019 to August 2020, over 13,000 entries were added to the repository and publications within the HSRC were downloaded over 123,000 times. Articles were accessed in 191 different countries, meaning publications within the HSRC were read by a diverse population. Through the use of Plumx Metrics and Altmetrics, researchers and published authors can easily track the level of engagement their entries receive and any social media mentions. Though we’re only a month into this near academic year, new entries have been added to the HSRC and it continues to serve as a valuable asset to researchers and scholars in various stages of their careers. 

In response to the growing body of medical research and literature on the COVID-19 pandemic, a separate collection was established within the repository to shine a spotlight on GW faculty members and affiliated researchers who have published work pertaining to this current pandemic. This special collection was established in the summer of 2020 and since then has collected nearly 100 relevant publications. At the time of writing, the ‘COVID-19 Publications by GWU Authors’ collection has gathered 93 publications and continues to grow with each passing week. 

As we continue to settle into this new school year, the staff at Himmelfarb Library are here to help you archive and promote peer-reviewed articles, conference posters/presentations or other scholarly publications. We’re eager to see how the HSRC continues to grow this academic year and in subsequent years. Feel free to explore the collections within Health Sciences Research Commons at https://hsrc.himmelfarb.gwu.edu/. If you have published an article/poster/presentation/or other scholarly publication and would like to add it to the repository, please send an email to hsrc@gwu.edu. If you have any additional questions about the HSRC, please email Sara Hoover, the Metadata and Scholarly Communications Librarian at shoover@gwu.edu.

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Fall starts next week and the Metropolitan DC area contains many parks, hiking trails and outdoor activities to help you enjoy the cooler weather and fall foliage. Here is a quick list of local parks, orchards and trails that are the perfect places to explore, while we continue to practice social distancing guidelines. 

Green Springs Gardens: Located in Alexandria, Virginia just off of Little River Turnpike, Green Springs Gardens is a great place to visit on a sunny day. Walk along the paved pathways that lead to several different ponds, enjoy the blooming flowers or pop into the gift shop. There’s plenty of open space, so you can keep your distance from others, while enjoying some fresh air. (Bonus: if you’re an artist, Green Spring Gardens is an excellent place to draw or paint!)

Roosevelt Island: Nestled between Washington, D.C. and Northern Virginia, Roosevelt Island sits on the Potomac River and offers excellent views of Rosslyn and Georgetown. There are three hiking trails that run around or through the island. Placards contain information on the history of the island, the wildlife in the area and President Theodore Roosevelt’s connection to the park. If you’re lucky, you may even cross paths with a deer, rabbit or other local critter. Roosevelt Island is a great way to spend a cool fall morning or afternoon!

Scotts Run Nature Preserve: Interested in a more rigorous hike? Drive down Georgetown Pike to Scotts Run Nature Preserve. Boasting seven marked trails with various degrees of difficulty, the preserve brings you closer to nature. You can choose a trail that leads to the bluffs overlooking the Potomac River, walk and observe the wildflowers that grow in the area or sit on the craggy rocks and dip your feet in the flowing streams. One day is not enough to fully explore Scotts Run, so be sure to make multiple trips while you can. 

Apple/Pumpkin Picking: No fall is complete without a visit to a local apple orchard or pumpkin patch and luckily there are plenty of farms in the surrounding area.  Cox Farms will open up their Drive-Through Market next week and will offer goods such as apple cider, apple cider doughnuts, fresh produce and other treats available for pick up. The market will run through November 2nd, so there’s plenty of time to place an order. Great Country Farms in Bluemont, Virginia is now open for apple picking and their pumpkin patch will open later this month. Though the farm is open every day for apple picking, you must purchase tickets to visit during the weekend. This year’s apple picking season will feel different with farms and orchards implementing social distancing and mask guidelines. Be sure you read and understand the rules before making a trip for some freshly picked apples!

Whether you're a hiker on the hunt for the next challenging trail, a baker in need of some fresh fruit for your favorite holiday treats or just a student in need of a quick respite, there are countless ways to socially distance and enjoy this fall!

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Welcome to a new school year! This academic year will be challenging as many students, staff and faculty members continue to work from home due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But the staff at Himmelfarb Library wanted to provide some tips that we used during our own academic careers that helped us organize our notes, study and have a successful semester. 

JoLinda Thompson, Systems Librarian- It always helped me to read my notes aloud. I still use the verbalization trick if I’m trying to remember something!

Stephen Bryant, Evening/Weekend Supervisor- Nowadays I listen to smooth jazz or Lo-Fi music while I study/work. It’s enough to provide some background music, but it’s not dynamic enough to distract me from work.

Stacy Brody, Reference & Instructional Librarian- I was a big fan of drawing things out. This was especially helpful for some of the science courses like organic chemistry and biochem. I liked to study in the student center, but really early, just when it opened, before it got too busy. I always tried to consume media that reinforced what I learned in class, whether it was a good book, a journal article that was recommended but not required, or a podcast. 

Laura Abate, Associate Director for Library Operations- LibKey Nomad is my best library related tip. Make your bed. Schedule time for ‘you’- block time to exercise, call a friend or have dinner with someone you care about. 

Sam Sisay, Reference Specialist (Evening)- Don’t study in your bedroom, study in a library study room, which leaves your bedroom as a place to relax. Study with friends, even if you are not studying the same thing. Being around others who are studying can be helpful in motivating you. 

Ruth Bueter, Serials and Systems Librarian- Instrumental music was helpful for me (especially when listening with headphones), because it helps me focus. Some of my favorite options recently include:

  • Movie scores (Phillip Glass’s score from The Hours, and anything written by Ennio Morricone- like the score from The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly)
  • Chillhop YouTube streams
  • Lindsey Stirling
  • Classical music
  • Electronic music for studying streaming music stations on Pandora/Spotify/ etc.

Have healthy snacks handy. Some of my go-to’s are:

  • Fruit- bananas, apples, pears, oranges, etc. 
  • Nuts- a handful of almonds, peanuts, walnuts, pecans or yout nut of choice has enough protein to help keep your stomach happy and keep you focused
  • Dark chocolate- 1 square of dark chocolate can be a sweet reward to break up the monotony of studying

Study cards: I normally cut 3x5 notecards in half. They are more portable in that size. Whenever you have a few minutes of free time-take them out and quiz yourself. I would write a question on the front side and the answer on the back. Writing the information so many times (between taking notes while reading, during lecture, and on the notecard) helped me retain the info. 

Lastly, Coffee. The importance of coffee in getting me through both my undergrad and graduate degrees cannot be understated. 

Ian Roberts, Acquisitions & Resource Sharing Librarian- In grad school I used to schedule all of my appointments into multiple calendars. I Synced up my school calendar with my iCloud calendar. I know some people don't like mixing those, but it always helped me (still does, actually). 

Brittany Smith, Senior Library Assistant (Metadata Specialist)- Take breaks while studying. Personally, I like to take short walks to give my mind time to rest. This is especially helpful when moving from one subject to another. As many people already mentioned, listening to instrumental music is a big help. I’m a fan of YouTube Chillhop or LoFi stations. I also enjoy listening to Studio Ghibli music which is soothing and always puts me in a great mood. Take advantage of the resources available to you. Whether it’s meeting with a librarian to discuss an upcoming research project/paper or visiting the professor or TA during their office hours to ask a clarifying question, make sure to reach out to the people who are there to help you. 

The most important tip is to find what works best for you. Take this advice and fit it to your particular style of studying. If you’re not a fan of Chillhop or Lo-Fi music, try classical jazz. Try a strong black tea if you want to monitor your coffee intake. Create a virtual study room or take advantage of the study rooms in Himmelfarb. Mix and match these tips with ones you already use to create the perfect strategy for this new semester!

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Published on 2 Comments on Crash Course on Using the Medical Library

If you’re a first year medical student, you may wonder how a medical and health sciences library differs from other academic libraries. While academic libraries as a whole work tirelessly to support students, faculty and staff during their time at a college or university, medical library professionals seek out services and resources that are specifically targeted towards medical and health professionals. 

It is not necessary for a medical librarian or other library professional to go through medical school or have a prior background in the medical or health sciences career field. Through constant training and professional development, medical library professionals build a foundational knowledge of common medical terms. The staff at Himmelfarb library frequently attend training sessions to broaden our scope of knowledge to better serve our patrons. Some of our staff members are also embedded in various classes and act as an extra source of support within that environment. With this knowledge we are able to tailor our services to the needs of our unique patrons. 

Medical research can be a daunting undertaking, but medical libraries provide access to print and electronic book, online databases and academic journals that are instrumental during the research, drafting and publishing process. Himmelfarb’s reference desk is available to answer any questions you may have. Through the use of our Ask A Librarian service, it’s possible to connect with someone in a matter of seconds. If you’re interested in learning more about the various ins-and-outs of scholarly publishing, our Scholarly Communications Committee recently completed a webinar series that touches on various publishing topics. The webinars are located under our Scholarly Publishing libguide. Once you’ve published a peer-reviewed article, we’re able to archive it within our institutional repository--the Health Science Research Commons, also known as the HSRC. With the use of Plumx metrics, it’s easy to track the level of engagement a published article receives. No matter what questions you may have, Himmelfarb is ready to assist. 

Medical libraries also strive to provide access to new medical technology. Himmelfarb has several pieces of equipment that can be checked out from the circulation desk. We also house a 3D printer that students, staff and faculty members can use to print various 3D models. This service is by request only. For more information, read the ‘3D Printing at Himmelfarb’ libguide. We’re constantly searching for new and innovative technology that can be used by our patrons and we hope to provide additional technological services in the near future. 

Medical librarianship is a dynamic career field that often changes to address the needs of medical and health science professionals. The COVID-19 pandemic has forced library professionals to develop and maintain a virtual learning environment. Though many staff members of Himmelfarb library continue to work remotely, we’re available to answer any questions you may have. We’re thrilled to be an extra source of support during your time at the George Washington University and we look forward to working with you!

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