Special Library Partner Optimization

Earlier in 2009, we had an idea to give our special library partners more visibility within the state. The idea is that our library partners across the state would link directly to our special library partners / subject specialists websites and email webforms where deemed appropriate for their website. For example: the Baltimore County Public Library may want to add a link to the MD Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped in their disability information pathfinder. They would link to the LBPH website as well as to their email webform as created in QuestionPoint so customer's questions for LBPH would go directly to LBPH.

Below are all of the blurbs and links you can use on your Maryland Library's website to further promote access to these wonderful subject specialists. Please feel free to use any or all or the blurbs provided. Please do at least use both URLS.  All information is formatted as follows: 1. blurb, 2. library URL, 3. URL directly to QP email webform.

Sample

"Maryland AskUsNow! is the Maryland statewide virtual reference service. You can get help from a librarian through live chat 24 hours a day, 7 days a week even during holidays. www.askusnow.info or contact them directly."

(where the library url goes to the library's website and the "contact them directly" links to their email webform)

Maryland State Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (LBPH)

1. The mission of the Maryland State Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped is to provide comprehensive library services to the eligible blind and physically handicapped residents of the State of Maryland.

2. http://www.lbph.lib.md.us

3. [forthcoming]

Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR)

1. The Carter Library and Information Resource Center is the Maryland Department of Natural Resources' central source for information, serving the needs of DNR staff, researchers, and the public. The DNR Library can assist with questions about state environmental protection programs, history of environmental protection in Maryland and the Chesapeake Bay, and ecology of Maryland and the Chesapeake Bay.

2. http://www.dnr.state.md.us/irc/

3. [forthcoming]

Maryland State Law Library

1. Legal problem? We can help. The Maryland State Law Library provides legal information to the Maryland judiciary and other branches of State government, bar members and the public. Information specialists can assist with suggestions for beginning and advanced legal research, assistance in the location and use of sources and finding aids, and recommendations for alternative sources for legal help outside of the Library.

2. http://www.mdcourts.gov/lawlib

3. [forthcoming]

National Agricultural Library (NAL)

1.

2.

3.

National Rehabilitation Information Center (NARIC)

1. The National Rehabilitation Information Center focuses on disability and rehabilitation research. Information specialists provide quick information and referral to agencies, organizations, and publishers providing services and support for people with disabilities. Their collection of more than 50,000 disability and rehabilitation research documents is open to the public and indexed on their website.

2. http://www.naric.com

3. [forthcoming]

Pathfinders for Autism

1. Pathfinders for Autism is dedicated to providing accurate, timely, and accessible information to individuals with autism, their families and professionals. The Pathfinders for Autism Resource Center offers caring, knowledgeable staff to respond to calls and email inquiries. Our website provides an on-line, searchable database with information on services and programs throughout Maryland as well as articles, recommended reading, professional training, a calendar of autism-related events and more. In addition, we have a Walk-in Center, offering hands-on tools and resource exchange.

2. www.pathfindersforautism.org

3. [forthcoming]