9317700 Battistella Grant funding is sought to improve access to the University of South Dakota mid-level Internet node for those health professionals and students who are in medical research, clinical practice, and medical education outside of Vermillion, especially in Sioux Falls, Rapid City and Yankton. Access to the University of South Dakota Internet node will also be extended to health professionals practicing in rural and frontier areas of South Dakota, reducing geographic barriers to communication and obtaining information. Access to the Internet is an important element of medical research, teaching, and clinical care. Electronic mail improves communications between health and information professionals for consultation on patient care and administrative issues. Access to the Internet's online databases, full text files, electronic journals, special interest groups, and software achieves will enhance research and teaching productivity. Funding will cover the cost of a router, terminal server, modems, communications costs, and computer storage. Librarians at the Lommen Health Sciences Library, University of South Dakota (USD) School of Medicine and also librarians at remote clinical training sites will serve as the primary agents for Internet training. The Lommen Health Sciences Library will also play a major role in product development, creating and maintaining databases on South Dakota health issues and assisting in the design of the USD wide area information system. ***
