## Table of Contents

[Table of Contents 1](#table-of-contents)

[Background 2](#background)

[Submitting a Go Local Proposal 2](#submitting-a-go-local-proposal)

[Funding 3](#funding)

[Requirements and Guidelines -- All Participants (NLM Go Local System or
Locally Supported System)
4](#requirements-and-guidelines-all-participants-nlm-go-local-system-or-locally-supported-system)

[Background 4](#background-1)

[Geographic area included in proposal
4](#geographic-area-included-in-proposal)

[Information on existing resources in area
4](#information-on-existing-resources-in-area)

[Information on existing stakeholders in area
4](#information-on-existing-stakeholders-in-area)

[How proposal will meet requirements
4](#how-proposal-will-meet-requirements)

[Administrative 4](#administrative)

[Content 5](#content)

[Promotion and outreach 6](#promotion-and-outreach)

[Customer service 6](#customer-service)

[Technical 6](#technical)

[Timeline 6](#timeline)

[Reporting 6](#reporting)

[Evaluation and sustainability 7](#evaluation-and-sustainability)

[Requirements and Guidelines -- If using the NLM Go Local System
8](#requirements-and-guidelines-if-using-the-nlm-go-local-system)

[Technical 8](#technical-1)

[Web interface 8](#web-interface)

[Additional Requirements and Guidelines -- If using a Locally Supported
System
9](#additional-requirements-and-guidelines-if-using-a-locally-supported-system)

[Vocabulary mapping and maintenance
9](#vocabulary-mapping-and-maintenance)

[Technical 9](#technical-2)

[Appendix 1a. Complete this checklist if you are using the NLM-hosted Go
Local system.
10](#appendix-1a.-complete-this-checklist-if-you-are-using-the-nlm-hosted-go-local-system.)

[Appendix 1b. Complete this checklist for a locally hosted system.
11](#appendix-1b.-complete-this-checklist-for-a-locally-hosted-system.)

[Appendix 2. Go Local Selection Guidelines
12](#appendix-2.-go-local-selection-guidelines)

[Authority of source 12](#authority-of-source)

[Appendix 3. Criteria for NN/LM Funding of MedlinePlus Go Local Projects
14](#appendix-3.-criteria-for-nnlm-funding-of-medlineplus-go-local-projects)

[Funding: 14](#funding-1)

[Allowable costs may include: 14](#allowable-costs-may-include)

[Non-allowable costs for developing and maintaining the system include:
14](#non-allowable-costs-for-developing-and-maintaining-the-system-include)

[Appendix 4. Go Local Proposal Outline
15](#appendix-4.-go-local-proposal-outline)

[Background 15](#background-2)

[How proposal will meet requirements
15](#how-proposal-will-meet-requirements-1)

[Supporting Documentation (Required)
15](#supporting-documentation-required)

## Background

MedlinePlus's Go Local project links MedlinePlus users to health
services in their local community and directs users of the Go Local site
to MedlinePlus health topics. For example, users get medical information
on diabetes from MedlinePlus and then visit a Go Local site for nearby
health programs, services and providers. Each MedlinePlus health topic
links to relevant local services on the Go Local site. Go Local sites
receive this user traffic from each MedlinePlus health topic and route
it to a page listing matching Go Local records. To see how these links
work, choose a Go Local area from the pull-down list or map link on any
MedlinePlus health topic page.

-   Currently available Go Local areas are listed at
    <http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/golocal/index.html>

-   Contacts for current sites and projects under development are listed
    at <http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/golocal/contacts.html>

-   For background on Go Local, please see The NLM-Hosted Go Local
    System: An Opportunity for Medical Libraries (PDF, 1.9 MB) at
    <http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/golocaldocs/nlmhostedsystem.pdf>
    (October 2008).

## Submitting a Go Local Proposal

Libraries and other groups interested in creating and maintaining a "Go
Local" site for their state or region may submit proposals. The proposal
should address how the Go Local site will meet the needs outlined in
this document. Use the proposal outline in Appendix 4 as a guide.

E-mail your proposal documents to the Associate Director/Executive
Director of your Regional Medical Library (RML, see
[http://www.nnlm.gov/]{.underline} or call 1-800-338-7657 if you need
help identifying this person). Include:

-   Project proposal

-   Resume of project coordinator. If project coordinator is not on
    staff, resume of project leader and job description of project
    coordinator.

-   Resumes of all key personnel

-   Signed letters of commitment from all institutions named as
    participants in the narrative

-   Signed letters of support from all major stakeholders in the area,
    if they are not participants in project

-   Completed version of proposal checklist (Appendix 1a or Appendix 1b,
    depending on what kind of site you are proposing)

-   Your version of selection guidelines (your version of Appendix 2)

-   Budget with narrative (if including request for NN/LM funding)

The RML will review your proposal and forward it to the Library for
consideration; you will hear back from NLM within a few weeks.

## Funding

-   One time awards of up to \$25,000 per Go Local project are available
    from the National Network for Libraries of Medicine for Network
    members.

-   To qualify for funding, there must be an already approved Go Local
    proposal, or prospective participants must submit a full Go Local
    proposal.

-   See Appendix 3 for details.

-   Send proposals to the Associate Director of your RML.

## Requirements and Guidelines -- All Participants (NLM Go Local System or Locally Supported System)

## 

Use the Proposal Outline (Appendix 4) to prepare your proposal. Be sure
to address all the items in the outline. We cannot accept incomplete
proposals. Below are details on what to address in each section of the
proposal.

## Background

-   Name of project leader(s)

-   Name(s) of lead institution(s)

    -   Primary institution

    -   The primary institution in a Go Local Project must be either an
        NN/LM Full Member or an NN/LM Affiliate Member. Affiliate
        Members must either partner with a Full Member or have a health
        sciences librarian working on the project.

## Geographic area included in proposal

Provide any background on geographic area, demographics, or special
features of your area that you wish to note. Examples include special
populations, health concerns from your area's Healthy People 2010
planning document, etc. If you have done a needs assessment for your
area, include here or as an appendix.

NLM strongly prefers that Go Local geographic areas be comprised of an
entire state or states, not parts of states or overlapping regions. We
will consider exceptions for proposals that provide service to special
populations, such as large underserved areas or areas with very large
populations. If NLM receives overlapping proposals, we will ask the
participants to work together or negotiate the coverage. We encourage
partnerships and collaborations.

## Information on existing resources in area

Provide any examples of existing databases or datasets. These may or may
not be publicly available.

## 

## Information on existing stakeholders in area

Describe the major library organizations providing health information in
your area.

Are there other major providers of service information? This may be a
state agency, a 211 center or another organization.

## How proposal will meet requirements

### Administrative

-   Institutional support

Go Local sites must show institutional commitment through a written
proposal that addresses meeting the needs described in this document.
Institutional support is essential to the long-term success of the
project and continuity of the service for the residents of the state or
region. Institutional support can include items such as staff salaries,
supplies, workstations, space, etc.

-   Staffing

There must be a salaried project coordinator to provide continuity and a
point of contact for the project. We highly recommend projects consider
.5 FTE for this position. Initial creation and release of a site usually
needs more time than 20 hours per week.

There also needs to be local computer support for maintaining needed
plug-ins on the computers used for input. Other sources of staff may
include committees, volunteers, institutional support, or agreements
with library schools.

-   Partners, Sponsors and Stakeholders

Go Local sites may partner with organizations or receive sponsorship
funds from them. Organizations may include non-profit, not-for-profit,
for-profit or commercial organizations. Partnership or sponsorship must
not imply endorsement or preferential treatment. Include signed letters
of commitment from all institutions named as participants in your
narrative.

Stakeholders in your area should be aware of your proposal. For example,
if your area has more than one medical school, the medical libraries in
other schools should be aware of your proposal if they are not
partnering with you. Please describe how stakeholders will participate.
As partners or members of an advisory body? You will need signed letters
of support from all major stakeholders in the area, if they are not
participants in project.

NLM proposal checklist (Make sure that all items on checklist are
addressed in proposal)

### Content

-   Selection Guidelines

Go Local sites must collect information about local health services and
providers. Services to collect include: state and local health
departments, medical centers and clinics, practitioners, libraries,
local voluntary health agency chapters, and support groups. You will
need to provide a copy of your selection guidelines (see sample in
Appendix 2).

Go Local sites should not include locally created health information.
Information from local resources is generally not included in
MedlinePlus. You may choose to provide links to local health information
resources from your header, footer, or "about us" page. NLM will make
every effort to accommodate requests for health topics not already
included in MedlinePlus so that all areas may benefit from the provision
of authoritative health information.

-   Indexing

You will need to indicate your commitment to index services to allow
MedlinePlus to link to Go Local and vice versa. Indexing includes
assigning subject terms to each local record, as well as geographical
indexing. See the Go Local manual
(http://www.nlm.nih.gov/golocal/Go_Local_Manual.docx) for more details.

-   Quality control

You will need to review records for consistency and accuracy. You may
want to develop a style guide.

-   Local health priorities to be addressed before launch

    -   You should try to identify any local health priorities. For
        example, you may want to review your area's Healthy People 2010
        goals or see if your health department has a current needs
        assessment.

### Promotion and outreach

Describe how you will develop publicity to promote use and help
collection development of your site. Promotion and outreach efforts can
be aimed at healthcare workers and associations, librarians, the media,
specific consumer groups, and the public. NLM has a collection of press
releases, news articles, and examples of promotional materials developed
by Go Local sites.

### Customer service

Describe how you will provide customer service for users who have
questions about the site or consumer health questions. This may be a Web
form for users to send questions and suggestions, an interactive chat
session or a telephone number to call. Most user inquiries are health
questions. The local site must also have a means to accept suggestions
from users for additional services.

### Technical

You must state explicitly which system you intend to use the NLM hosted
system (if you do not want to build your own database) or locally hosted
system (if you already have an existing database and expertise to
maintain it.) You must complete and submit the checklist for either
system (Appendix 1a or Appendix 1b).

### Timeline 

Provide a reasonably detailed timeline for your project. Timelines
should include specific dates or date ranges and activities, such as
"May-July 2007: import and edit database of services obtained from the
United Way." Please include at least a month for iterative testing prior
to release of your site.

### Reporting

You will need to submit quarterly reports to both the RML and NLM.
Deadlines are the 15^th^ of each month of the new quarter (January,
April, July, and October). Quarterly reporting is an ongoing commitment
for the life of the project.

-   Reports for projects not yet available to the public must include:

    -   Progress in relation to timeline

    -   Changes in current staff and their roles

    -   Work done to create the site

    -   Outreach and promotion efforts

```{=html}
<!-- -->
```
-   Reports for Go Local projects already available to the public must
    include:

    -   Changes in primary staff and their roles

    -   Major changes or additions made to the database

    -   Outreach and promotion efforts

    -   Monthly, quarterly and annual page views and unique visitors\*

-   The proportion of these stats attributable to MedlinePlus topic page
    referrals\*

-   List of any down times that occurred during the quarter\*

\*applies to locally hosted projects only

### Evaluation and sustainability

Address how you will sustain your project, and indicate your willingness
to perform at least the minimum evaluation tasks below.

-   Evaluate your readiness for release using NLM test scenarios.

-   Monitor usage and customer feedback to identify strengths and
    weaknesses of your Go Local database.

-   Complete an annual self-assessment after release.

-   Insure sustainability of your Go Local project, including how you
    will provide the required labor.

## Requirements and Guidelines -- If using the NLM Go Local System

## Technical

NLM will maintain the hardware and system software for hosting the
records and producing the Go Local Web pages, as well as the vocabulary
and mapping between the Go Local applications and MedlinePlus.\
NLM will produce reports of broken links, which should be checked and
repaired at least weekly. NLM will collect and provide user statistics.

The project director or designated local administrator will set up user
accounts and make customizations to their site.

A comprehensive Go Local manual focusing on the NLM hosted input system
is available at <http://www.nlm.nih.gov/golocal/Go_Local_Manual.pdf>.
Training materials customized by various Go Local projects are also
available. Participants will need PCs with an Internet connection, as
well as Internet Explorer and common plug-ins such as Flash and the
Adobe Acrobat reader. Participants will connect through the Internet and
log in to the system at NLM to create and edit records.

## 

## Web interface

NLM controls the overall organization and design of the Go Local sites,
with local customization such as inserting a logo or banner. NLM insures
that sites are organized logically, labeled clearly, include useful
navigation and are compliant with accessibility standards (see
[http://section508.gov](http://section508.gov/)). NLM provides visual
and text links to geographic regions. All pages include template
information such as a date and links to site information. NLM
periodically conducts usability testing and makes changes as needed.

## Additional Requirements and Guidelines -- If using a Locally Supported System

## Vocabulary mapping and maintenance

Locally supported systems must map the indexing vocabulary to the right
MedlinePlus topic pages and maintain the maps as MedlinePlus releases
new topic pages. NLM provides weekly XML data with up-to-date details on
MedlinePlus health topics (see
<http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/glftp/mplusxml.html> for file
example). These mappings allow users to go from MedlinePlus health
topics to subject-specific local services and from local services pages
to MedlinePlus topic pages. Sites must process the XML files at least
once a month to update their mappings. Indicate your willingness to keep
up the mapping.

## Technical

Address how you will

-   Provide the hardware and software and have technical expertise to
    maintain the hardware and software.

-   Create and provide training materials for the system, and provide
    support to those using the system.

-   Ensure that your database supports local site creation and allows
    organization of resources by subject, with each subject on a
    separate page.

-   Ensure that the database supports the vocabulary mapping mentioned
    above.

-   Meet accessibility standards (at least to DOJ Section 508 standards)
    and basic usability guidelines.

-   Ensure that the web pages on your site be compatible with the most
    recent three versions of major browsers.

-   Provide mapping from both visual and text links to geographic areas.

-   The system must be able to handle constant traffic from MedlinePlus
    24 hours a day, 7 days a week. MedlinePlus currently delivers over
    80 million pages a month.

-   Check and repair broken links at least weekly.

-   Maintain high IT standards with suitable redundancy and security.

## Appendix 1a. Complete this checklist if you are using the NLM-hosted Go Local system.

Table 1: NLM-hosted Go Local System Proposal Requirements Checklist

  ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
  **Number**   **Go Local Proposal Checklist of Requirements**    **NLM
                                                                  Hosted**
  ------------ -------------------------------------------------- ------------
               **Local Resources**                                 

  1            Establish and use Selection criteria                

  2            Collect information on services for the entire      
               state or region - including health departments,    
               hospitals, medical centers, clinics,               
               practitioners, libraries, local chapters of health 
               organizations, etc.                                

  3            Index the resources by subject and geographically   

  4            Indicate mechanism for keeping information current  

  5            Use the \"go local\" controlled vocabulary          

  6            Provide detailed project timeline                   

               **Staffing**                                        

  7            Hire and compensate a salaried project coordinator  
               (recommend .5 FTE)                                 

  8            Have manpower needed to create, index and maintain  
               records. This may include student workers and      
               volunteers.                                        

  9            Have IT support to maintain computers used for      
               input, including required Web browser and plug-ins 

  10           Provide customer service for the site               

               **Hardware/Software/Website**                       

  11           Have PCs available for volunteers and/or staff      
               with Internet connections, required Web browser    
               and necessary plug-ins (or a plan to obtain them)  

  12           Check and repair broken or problem links            

               **Promotions**                                      

  13           Publicize the site in the region                    

  14           Perform outreach for collection development         

  15           Summarize promotion efforts quarterly               
  ----------------------------------------------------------------------------

## Appendix 1b. Complete this checklist for a locally hosted system.

Table 2: Locally Hosted Go Local System Proposal Requirements Checklist

  ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
  **Number**   **Go Local Proposal Checklist of Requirements**   **Locally
                                                                 Hosted**
  ------------ ------------------------------------------------- ------------
               **Local Resources**                               

  1            Establish and use Selection criteria              

  2            Collect information on services for the entire    
               state or region - including health departments,   
               hospitals, medical centers, clinics,              
               practitioners, libraries, local chapters of       
               health organizations, etc.                        

  3            Index the resources by subject and geographically 

  4            Indicate mechanism for keeping information        
               current                                           

  5            Map Go Local services to MedlinePlus health       
               topics                                            

  6            Provide detailed project timeline                 

               **Staffing**                                      

  7            Hire and compensate a salaried project             
               coordinator (recommend .5 FTE)                    

  8            Have manpower needed to create, index and          
               maintain records. This may include student        
               workers and volunteers.                           

  9            Have technical expertise for system hardware and  
               software                                          

  10           Have IT support to maintain computers used for     
               input, including required Web browser and         
               plug-ins                                          

  11           Provide customer service for the site              

               **Hardware/Software/Website**                     

  12           Acquire the necessary hardware for the system     

  13           Acquire software to create and maintain the       
               database                                          

  14           Provide for database functionality (mapping, site 
               creation, etc.)                                   

  15           Process NLM\'s XML data with up to date           
               MedlinePlus health topics                         

  16           Comply with basic usability standards             

  17           Perform usability testing                         

  18           Make site accessible (at a minimum Section 508    
               compliant)                                        

  19           Organize resources by subject, and for public     
               site put each subject on a separate page          

  20           Collect and report usage data to NLM              

  21           Generate geographic maps for the Region, and      
               linking from the map to the relevant service      
               pages                                             

  22           Have PCs available for volunteers and/or staff     
               with Internet connections, required Web browser   
               and necessary plug-ins (or a plan to obtain them) 

  23           Generate broken or problem link reports           

  24           Check and repair broken or problem links          

  25           Provide copyright information, disclaimers of     
               endorsement, privacy and accessibility policies   

               **Promotions**                                    

  26           Publicize the site in the region                  

  27           Perform outreach for collection development       

  28           Summarize promotion efforts quarterly             
  ---------------------------------------------------------------------------

#  

## Appendix 2. Go Local Selection Guidelines 

Go Local sites link MedlinePlus users to health services in their local
community and direct users of the Go Local site to MedlinePlus health
topics. For example, users get medical information on diabetes from
MedlinePlus and then link to a Go Local site for nearby health programs,
services and providers. Go Local sites should collect services
including: state and local health departments, medical centers and
clinics, practitioners, libraries, local voluntary health agency
chapters, and support groups. Go Local sites should not collect and
index locally-created health information.

The guidelines below can serve as a starting point for Go Local sites to
develop their own guidelines. Policy decisions such as whether or not to
include services without Web sites and individual practitioners as well
as group practices should be made by the project team or their advisory
board. Examples of NLM guidelines and individual local guidelines are
listed below.

### Authority of source

NLM Guidelines:

-   The sponsorship of the site is clear. The credentials or
    qualifications of the sponsors are provided or verifiable.

-   There is a way to contact the site or service provider.

-   Sites for an individual health care provider must include credential
    information or be verifiable.

-   If the site is commercial, it acknowledges any commercial interest
    or personal point of view.

Local Guidelines:

-   We will verify professional credentials or licensing of facilities
    through state credentialing agencies.

-   For services without a Web presence, we will verify professional
    credentials or licensing of facilities through credentialing
    agencies. We will verify contact information through telephone calls
    to the service.

**Content**

NLM Guidelines:

-   Web pages contain a created, revised, or update date.

-   Links on the site are reliable and relevant.

-   The site does not contain inaccurate, erroneous, misleading or
    dangerous medical information, claims, or allegations.

-   Most information on the site is available at no charge.

-   Registration, an account, or password is not required to access site
    information.

Local Guidelines:

-   Due to continual changes in individual practitioners serving our
    area, we will not list links to individual practices unless they are
    located in an underserved county (defined as a county with fewer
    than 5 practitioners).

-   Because many services in our area do not have web sites, we will not
    restrict selection to only those sources with a web presence. We
    will verify contact information through telephone calls to the
    service.

-   If a large institution provides several individual services, we will
    check to see if they have separate telephone numbers or web pages.
    If the service has its own contact information, we will create a
    separate record for it.

-   We may enter private or group practices with one or several
    physicians into the system if they have a generic name. Be sure to
    check for credentials of participants in the practices.

-   When the appropriateness of a record is in question, check to see
    whether there is a Local Service Term for the resource. Add findings
    and questions to the Comments field, and a reviewer will determine
    if record should be included.

**Audience**

NLM Guidelines:

-   Consumers or the general public is the intended audience of the site
    and services.

Local Guidelines:

-   Check that Web site is consumer-friendly and does not use overly
    technical language.

**Local Relevance**

NLM Guidelines:

-   The site directs members of the public to a local or regional
    organization, service or activity.

Local Guidelines:

-   The site provides information about a local or regional
    organization, service, or activity.

## Appendix 3. Criteria for NN/LM Funding of MedlinePlus Go Local Projects

### Funding:

1.  One time awards of up to \$25,000 are available for Go Local
    projects. Proposals must meet the MedlinePlus Go Local Project
    Proposal Guidelines. Proposals will be reviewed by NLM and RML
    staff.

2.  Award amounts will be determined by the RML based on the number of
    requests and the availability of funds. Revised budgets may be
    requested.

3.  Period of funding is up to 12 months.

### Allowable costs may include:

1.  Programming and computer support for mapping of an already existing
    system to MedlinePlus.

2.  Selection and entering of materials into NLM or locally hosted
    database, including personnel costs to perform these activities such
    as project coordinator, consultants, administrative support staff,
    selectors, etc.

3.  Outreach and promotion including materials, personnel and travel
    costs to perform these activities.

4.  Supplies and communications costs.

5.  Purchase of equipment, except for servers to support a locally
    hosted database. Please consult with your RML for specific
    requirements related to the purchase of equipment.

### Non-allowable costs for developing and maintaining the system include:

1.  Programming of locally hosted database except programming for
    mapping an already existing database to MedlinePlus.

2.  Technical expertise for system hardware and software maintenance.

3.  Purchase of software to create and maintain locally hosted database.

4.  Payment for domain names.

5.  Refreshments

## Appendix 4. Go Local Proposal Outline

### Background

-   Name of project coordinator(s) or leader(s)

-   Name(s) of lead institution(s)

-   Geographic area included in proposal

-   Any background on geographic area, demographics, special needs or
    features you wish to note

-   Information on existing resources in area

-   Information on existing stakeholders in area

### How proposal will meet requirements

-   Administrative

    -   Institutional support

    -   Staffing

    -   Are all stakeholders aware of proposal? How will they
        participate? Partners?

    -   Is there an advisory body? For what and how composed?

    -   NLM proposal checklist (Appendix 1a. or 1 b. Make sure that all
        applicable items on checklist are addressed in proposal)

-   Content

    -   Selection Guidelines

    -   Indexing

    -   Quality control

    -   Specific health priorities to be addressed before launch

-   Promotion and outreach

-   Customer Service

-   Technical

    -   State explicitly which system you intend to use: NLM hosted
        system or locally hosted system

-   Timeline (detailed, with specific dates and milestones)

-   Evaluation, sustainability and reporting (Make sure that all
    applicable items on checklist are addressed in proposal)

### Supporting Documentation (Required)

-   Resume of project coordinator(s)

-   Resumes of all key personnel

-   Signed letters of commitment from any institutions named as
    participants in narrative

-   Signed Letters of support from all major stakeholders in area, if
    they are not participants in project

-   Budget with explanations (if including request for NN/LM funding)