People affected by the debilitating neurological condition multiple sclerosis
(MS) now have world-class information at their fingertips thanks to a UK first
by the MS Society.
The charity, which is the largest of its kind
supporting people affected by MS, has this week created an online library of the
thousands of books, journals, papers and magazines that it has in its
collection, searchable from anywhere with an internet connection.
The
database opens up the library to the world and now anyone interested in any
aspect of MS can see what's available, download documents and texts and request
loans.
MS Society librarian, David Bates, said: "For years the MS
Society has had a library available to support the information needs of people
affected by MS, but there has been no way for people to search it themselves and
access the documents.
"This new facility opens up the world-class
information we have from leading authors to people across the UK, and around the
world."
The library includes information aimed at lay audiences,
children and professionals and features the full text of MS Society publications
including all of the Essentials series and a wide selection of articles from MS
Society membership magazine MS Matters from the last four years.
Journals are available too. If the Library subscribes to the relevant
journal, or the article is open access, there will be a link straight to the
full article. If not, the abstract will be available and the full article
available on request.
"If you can't access an article electronically, or
want to request something we don't already have, get in touch," David added.
"This is a fantastic resource and the first of its kind in the UK."
To
access the library, go to
http://www.mssociety.org.uk/libraryThe
MS Society is the UK's largest charity dedicated to supporting everyone
whose life is touched by MS, providing respite care, an award-winning freephone
helpline (0808-800- 8000), specialist MS nurses and funds around 40 vital MS
research projects in the UK. Multiple sclerosis is the most common disabling
neurological disorder affecting young adults and an estimated 85,000 people in
the UK have MS.
MS is the result of damage to myelin - the protective
sheath surrounding nerve fibres of the central nervous system - which interferes
with messages between the brain and the body.
For some people, MS is
characterised by periods of relapse and remission while for others it has a
progressive pattern.
Symptoms range from loss of sight and mobility,
fatigue, depression and cognitive problems. There is no cure and few effective
treatments.
Multiple Sclerosis Society
