Contributed Paper Abstract
Bioterrorism Information Resources: Multiple Approaches
Onnalee Henneberry, Technical Information Specialist, CDC Information Center, Atlanta GA
Purpose: This paper will describe the process of analyzing and evaluating current information resources on bioterrorism, and highlight items selected in a quick BT guide for librarians in various settings that can be used for bioterrorism planning as well as in times of crisis.
Setting/Participants/Resources: The CDC Information Center, Atlanta, Georgia, is a U.S. Federal Government library serving the staff of the CDC and the greater public health community. The CDC Information Center collection contains over 19,000 monographs, about 950 print and 1,000 electronic journal subscriptions specializing in subjects that include public health, epidemiology, infectious diseases, and environmental health. The combined collections in all the CDC libraries total 90,000 volumes, with current print subscriptions numbering about 1,400. Special collections include the Public Health Service Monograph Series.
Brief Description: In the Fall of 2001, the CDC was brought into the national spotlight when the most extensive investigation the CDC had ever participated in was triggered by the multistate bioterrorist anthrax attack via the postal system. Added to the horrific events of September 11th, 2001, librarians and information specialists at the CDC were challenged as never before to provide timely information for planning for and responding to terrorism. In order to fulfill demands for this type of information from librarians throughout the country, Web sites, journal articles, books, and other media were researched for accurate and reliable information. An overview of the major resources will be provided.
Outcome: Presentations based on this research were made to professional librarians’ groups from various settings in various geographical areas. The presentations were also made available on the Web for easy referral.
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