September 7, 2001

Bridged by books: Librarians from around the globe gather at the MGH

As a leading resource for medical information, the MGH Treadwell Library was selected as one of the Boston area libraries to host tours for the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA). The organization's recent annual meeting, held in Boston Aug. 16 through 25, brought together library and information services professionals from 143 countries.

Treadwell hosted a group that included library representatives from Ghana, Thailand, Scandinavia, Australia and the United States Library of Congress. The MGH tour featured a demonstration of Treadwell's virtual library and its technology- related projects, as well as a visit to the Blum Patient Family Learning Center, the Cancer Resource Room and the Ether Dome.

Carolyn Paul, a Treadwell librarian, noted, "The international guests were very impressed with all that the MGH is doing to get information to our health care professionals, patients and families." Elizabeth Schneider, director of the Treadwell Library, agreed. "The visiting librarians vowed that they definitely would be back for a visit."

Other visitors may access Treadwell resources through its virtual library at www.massgeneral.org/library