In This Issue:
Technical Notes - e1
Searching POPLINE on Internet Grateful Med - e2
Highlights of the New Beta Version of PubMed - e3
MEDLINE Logs 10 Millionth Journal Citation - e4
NLM Online Training Program - 2000 - e5
 Images from the History of Medicine - e6
Farewell to ELHILL - e7
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Images from the History of Medicine
New Rescanned Images
By the end of this year, all 59,000 images in the Images from the History of
Medicine (IHM) database will be replaced with rescanned versions. The images
were rescanned over the past three years directly from archival slides at a
high resolution (2700 dpi prior to compression for the Web). These images are
from NLM's prints and photograph collection which includes portraits, pictures
of institutions, caricatures, genre scenes, and graphic art in a variety of media,
illustrating the social and historical aspects of medicine.
Shortcomings of the Current Images Database
Images currently in the database were scanned from the videodisc produced
for the original PC-based demonstration project. While the videodisc was
made from the same archival slides as have just been scanned, they were scanned
at a lower resolution and are three generations away from the original. In
addition, the current database applied an unsatisfactory search mechanism to
identify images that may be under copyright restrictions. Users disliked the
heavy bar across images that the search mechanism determined - rightly or wrongly - to
be under copyright.
Watermark
A watermark is used instead of the heavy bar. All of the new images are watermarked, because NLM still has insufficient
information to identify accurately the images that are under copyright
protection. The watermark permits viewing of images without obscuring large
areas, while protecting the interests of copyright owners by preventing
commercial reproduction. Users may be tempted to download and use these newly
scanned, high quality images, but may not remember to follow the copyright guidelines.
Additional Feature
The web software will be updated at the same time. With the new version, users will be able to send bibliographic information by e-mail. Images may not be e-mailed.
Bibliographic Updates
Accession records for newly acquired posters and other materials are
being added to the database and review of existing records is progressing.
In June 1999, the database was re-configured so that new records and edits
are immediately reflected in the Web version of the IHM. Plans for FY 2000
include adding images for new acquisitions and obtaining additional assistance
for cataloging review.
Number of IHM Searches
In FY 1999, the IHM supported more than 650,000 searches. Analysis of searches
by day of the week shows that Tuesday is the most popular day to search with 22%
of searches. Wednesday, Thursday, Monday, and Friday range from 16 - 14% each,
and Sunday comes in at 10%. Saturday closes the week at 8%.
- --prepared by Lillian R. Kozuma
- History of Medicine Division
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