Discover Health Services Near You! The North Dakota Story: Part II

Abstract

Since the 2003 launch of NC Health Info, the National Library of Medicine (NLM) has encouraged the development of Go Local databases. A team of Go Local enthusiasts at North Dakota's only medical school library wanted to obtain NLM funding and build a resource for their rural state. Although short on staff, money, and time, the team found a way to realize a Go Local database that serves the state's residents and helps them “Discover Health Services Near You!” A team approach and collaboration with health providers and organizations worked well in this small rural state. North Dakota's Go Local project offers a low-cost model that stresses collaboration, teamwork, and technology. Part I, which appeared in the last issue, describes the rural setting, explains how the project was conceived, and the processes necessary to begin building the database. Part II, which appears in this issue, details how records were created including developing the input style guide and indexing decisions, the NLM testing and review process, the maintenance and auditing process, and publicity and promotion of the project.