HGP3C ALA 2009 Virtual Poster

Celebrating National DNA Day at a Public Library: Presented by Lisa Chow, Maxine Cooper, Alice Dontanville, Shirley Hall, Angeli Rasbury, and Doris Withers American Library Association 2009 Virtual Poster Sessions February 2009 Reaching Out to the Community to Increase Awareness and Knowledge about the Human Genome and Genetics

About the Human Genome Project

Human Genome Project – Sequencing of the Human Genome
Started in 1990
Undertaken by National Institutes of Health & Department of Energy and other international groups
Draft Completed in 2000
Complete sequence announced April 25, 2003, 50 th Anniversary of Watson and Crick discovering the structure of DNA
2003 Beginning of Genomic Era or the Era of Biology

Collins, Francis, et al., A vision for the future of genomics research . Nature 422 (April 2003) The public must be knowledgeable to make informed decisions about participation in genomics research and to incorporate the findings of such research into their own health care. [The public] must be knowledgeable to engage profitably in discussion and decision-making about the societal implications of genomics. The Human Genome Project & the Twenty-First Century Education

Ethical, Legal, and Social Issues (ELSI)
This 21st century science has broad implications for society as a consequence of the availability of new genetic data and the applications of genetic research.
Issues confronting society are:
privacy of information
genetic non-discrimination
fairness in use of genetic information
education of health providers, people with genetic conditions, and the general public
genetic technologies and testing
relationship of genes and environment to common complex diseases like heart disease and diabetes
legal issues
concepts of free will versus genetic determination

National DNA Day is a unique day when students, teachers and the public can learn more about genetics and genomics. It was created by and Act of the US Congress to commemorate the completion of the Human Genome Project in April 2003, and the discovery of DNA's double helix. http://www.genome.gov/10506367 The Brooklyn Public Library located in the largest borough of New York City celebrated DNA Day to educate and engage the public about the Human Genome and genetics. Explore this presentation to learn what we did and how the day turned out!

Planning for DNA Day at Brooklyn Public Library The Human Genome Project Community Conversations Committee

Role of Libraries in Genetics Education
Education of whomever they serve – scientists and the public
Guide users and assist them with a wide variety of information
Create educational activities and provide opportunities for dialogue
Seek ways to engage partners in the education of the public
Human Genome Project
Community Conversations Committee

Human Genome Project Community Conversations Committee (HGP3C)
Established in Fall 2007
Goal
Increase the genetics literacy of individuals and community groups in urban settings by
Informing them about the Human Genome Project and the 21 st century science of genetics
Empowering them through education to make informed decisions in their own lives
Committee Constituents
Library staff
Libraries for the Future
Medgar Evers College/CUNY
WE ACT for Environmental Justice
Start up partial funding - Libraries for the Future grant from National Human Genome Research Institute/NIH

Committee Objectives Using the library, a trusted and accessible center for information and education to:
Educate and promote interest and dialogue in the community about the human genome, genetics, and genetic technologies, especially in communities of color and low income groups
Provide educational experiences, lectures by experts in genetics, hands-on learning activities, and electronic and print resources about genetics, genetic research and technologies, health related applications, and their promise and challenges for society
Provide professional development opportunities for library staff in order to enhance outreach and education in their communities
Share genetic literacy outreach experiences with other library systems that wish to expand genetics and genomics education in their communities

Committee Members
Brooklyn Public Library
Maxine Cooper, Consumer Health Librarian & Chairperson
Lisa Chow, PULSE Librarian Trainee
Shirley Hall, Cluster Leader
Anthony Loum, Coordinator of Adult Services
Angeli Rasbury, Youth Services Community & Partnership Associate
Lavonda Shaw, Cluster Specialist, Adult Services
Ben Gocker, Librarian Trainee
Zezlie Blyden, Cluster Specialist, Adult Services
Libraries for the Future
Alice Dontanville, Communications Specialist
Sabrina Waldron, Program Manager
Medgar Evers College, CUNY
Dr. Doris Withers, Professor of Biology & Education
Genomics Education and Outreach Project
WE ACT for Environmental Justice

Committee Activities, 2007-2008
Developed and planned community programs, including Genetics 101
Developed collections for 12 branches
Developed promotional materials
Produced online guide to library and web resources about genetics
Created school educational linkages
Developed and conducted staff training
Set up a wiki for committee planning, work, and projects
Planned and implemented National DNA Day @ BPL

DNA Day @ Brooklyn Public Library The Event on April 25 th The Human Genome Project Community Conversations Committee

National DNA Day @ BPL
Exhibits of library resources and educational materials, which included educational resources from NIH’s National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) and the National Library of Medicine
Interactive activities for children and adults
Workshops/lectures by a NHGRI genomic researcher, a “DNA Day Ambassador”; a biology professor; and librarians
College students, fulfilling their service-learning requirement in a course, served as guides and assistants at the workshops
Teachers, students and library patrons had intergenerational workshop opportunities, e.g., educational genetic-related arts and crafts, career workshops, family history, and DNA Jeopardy designed to raise awareness and motivation to explore and learn more about genetics/genomics

National DNA Day @ BPL
National DNA Day celebrated at the Central Library on April 25, 2008
The event was widely publicized and a variety of activities were available to the public.
Attracted over 250 community residents – students from all grades and from colleges, nurses, counselors, social workers, community advocates, healthcare workers, retirees, after school program professionals, and librarians.
The winners of a local DNA Day Essay contest coordinated by the library associate and the biology professor were awarded prizes provided by the partner college.

Getting the Word Out The Bookmark The Flyer

Preparing for DNA Day Library Staff, Professor, and College Students

DNA Day Welcoming Desk and Information Booth Slideshow about the National DNA Day activities and events at the Central Library. College students welcomed the public at the information booth where the public signed in and picked up packets of information and NHGRI brochures. Display of new books, books in the Youth Wing, and other books on genetics and genomics.

The Program

Interactive Virtual Labs Explore the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) chatroom and webcasts, and other interactive websites, videos, and games to learn more about DNA, genetics and genomics.

Database Workshops Career Cruising: Explore this interactive career resource and learn about careers in genetics. Teen Health & Wellness: Real Life, Real Answers provides students with articles and self-help tools on topics including diseases, drugs, alcohol, nutrition, fitness, diversity, family life, and more.

Genetics and Family Health History How have genetic research and genealogy come together to improve health? Join Dr. Doris Withers, Professor at Medgar Evers College, CUNY and start your own family health history.

Arts & Crafts: DNA Models Building DNA models with candy!

Current Topics in Genomics DNA Day Ambassador Dr. Milton English, National Human Genome Research Institute, NIH, discusses human genome, recent genomics research, and medical advances. Panel Discussion “Community Conversations: How You Can Be Involved.”

DNA Jeopardy Young people playing the game. What does DNA stand for? Play DNA jeopardy and win prizes! Hint: Check out the Interactive Virtual Labs to get ready for DNA jeopardy.

Emerging Careers in DNA Sciences Interested in careers? Dr. Milton English, a Brooklynite and a NHGRI genomics researcher, shares his insights.

Awards Reception Reception is for local DNA Day essay contest winners from Middle School 394, Mary McLeod Bethune Academy. Cash awards donated by Medgar Evers College, CUNY.

Evaluation of DNA Day @ Brooklyn Public Library Who came? How did we do? What did we find out?

Analysis of Survey Findings of a Sample of Attendees
Surveys were distributed at the welcoming desk & workshops.
Of the respondents, 62% were females and 36% were males.
The large majority (94%) were residents of Brooklyn. Most of them were from zip codes surrounding the Central Library which is located in 11238 zip code:
6.3% 11216, 11218, 11221, 11227 12.5% 11236 12.5% 11229 18.8% 11201 31.3% 11203

Analysis of Survey Findings (cont’d)
The ages of the respondents ranged from less than 12 years to over 65 years. There were no respondents between the ages of 15-25. The largest group, 24%, was between 46 and 55 years old. The 36-45 age group and the 55-65 age groups made up about 12% each and the over 65 group made up 18% of the respondents.
The majority of respondents (62%) were African American/Black; 24% were White; 5% Hispanic; and the remainder did not identify their race.
Besides the respondent who was in grade school, all respondents had either a high school diploma or above. A third had some college and a third had college degrees. About one fifth reported having post graduate degrees.

All (100%) the respondents rated DNA Day @ BPL as excellent or very good; 76% rated the Day as excellent
Most popular sessions
Interactive virtual labs and informational web sites for youth and adults
DNA Day Ambassador seminar on emerging careers in DNA sciences and seminar family health history
Children’s program where youth constructed DNA models
100% of attendees agreed (31%) or strongly agreed (69%) that they learned something that they did not know before about genetics and genomics

78% strongly agreed and 23% agreed that they plan to read one or more of the recommended books.
76% agreed strongly and 22% agreed that they found the activities interesting and well done and liked the format of DNA Day at the library.
The large majority of attendees (96.4%) rated their overall experience at DNA Day @ BPL highly.
One-hundred percent (100%) agreed or strongly agreed that the library should have more educational activities on genetics and genomics at the library.

Lessons Learned – Projects for the Future, 2008-2009
Outreach activities of public interest revealed by the survey of DNA Day attendees are being planned.
The Committee is seeking funding sources for future activities.
The project is also serving as the prototype for a library genetic outreach and education toolkit produced by collaboration with Libraries for the Future (LFF).
HGP3C is currently working with library staff on enhancing educational and outreach activities in their communities and branch libraries.

Contact Us
Lisa Chow, Brooklyn Public Library
[email_address]
Maxine Cooper, Brooklyn Public Library [email_address]
Alice Dontanville, Libraries for the Future
[email_address]
Shirley Hall, Brooklyn Public Library
[email_address]
Angeli Rasbury, Brooklyn Public Library [email_address]
Dr. Doris Withers, Medgar Evers College
[email_address]

For More Information
Brooklyn Public Library Human Genome Project: Community Conversations Wiki http://bplhgpcc.pbwiki.com
Brooklyn Public Library Explore a Topic: Genetics and Genomics http://www.brooklynpubliclibrary.org/explore_topic_detail.jsp?subjectpageid =2409

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HGP3C ALA 2009 Virtual Poster

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