Creating a state-wide virtual health library: the Michigan experience

H.R. Brenneise and E.B. Marks, Online Information Review, 2001, Vol. 25 No. 2, pp. 115-20

Describes the AccessMichigan Electronic Community Health Information Initiative (AMECHII) which aims to provide state-wide access to high-quality,timely, reliable and valid health information for consumers and practitioners,regardless of geographical location or economic status. A formal exploration phase has been completed which was notable for the involvement of experts from every type of library in the state and a variety of health-care organisations. The next phase will be a strategic planning process, outlined to ultimately result in methods for economic sustainability and a new paradigm for multi-type library and health-care stakeholder collaboration for the acquisition,distribution and use of electronic health information over a wide geographical and culturally diverse area.