It is good to see concern raised on SERIALST to assist libraries that have suffered losses from the effects of recent hurricanes. Those who are moved to express compassion with action for the affected medical libraries will find the Medical Library Association site at http://www.mlanet.org/hurricane_katrina.html provides much information about ways to help the recovery efforts.

It was recently announced by Absolute Backorder Service that help would be offered through their venue to assist affected libraries with free replacements for serial back volumes, and a database to post all available donations in one location. The president of the company, Glenn Jaeger, has an excellent reputation and what he is trying to do is wonderful. However, in the spirit of clarity, and help for the affected libraries as much as possible, I need to set the record straight regarding what is currently available to help those libraries.

In fact, PubZilla is already an established portal through which anyone possessing desired back volumes/issues in biomedicine, the health sciences and related subjects could get those materials to libraries in need - immediately. I'm absolutely baffled over Mr. Jaeger's efforts to develop software to do what we have already been doing for some time and already have in place - a well established, easy to use, free system to get desired back volumes/issues to libraries in need. PubZilla acts as a service to put donors and recipients, and sellers and buyers together. PubZilla already offers a centralized service to coordinate specific journal back volumes and issues, emphasizing periodicals in the biomedical domain. PubZilla already offers an interactive database to post all available donations in one location for libraries in need that is quick, easy and free to use for charitable efforts.

Those who wish to offer assistance NOW are invited to use PubZilla at http://www.pubzilla.com . Please join PubZilla and help the relief efforts.

Thank you,
Merle Colglazier MSLS, AHIP
info@pubzilla.com
http://www.pubzilla.com