he April 22 release of MedlinePlus, version 12.0, introduces several new features.

1. "Print version" and "Email to a friend"
   
   Buttons for "Print version" and "Email to a friend" now appear at the top of MedlinePlus health topic, drug information, encyclopedia and news pages. Links for "Versión impresa" and "Envielo a un amigo" appear at the top of health topic and encyclopedia pages on MedlinePlus en español.
   
   Click on "Print version" to open a new window displaying the content of the page formatted for printing. For example, health topic page print versions display the URL of every link on the page. Print versions of news stories include a note about the last date the story will be available on MedlinePlus, because these pages expire after 30 days.
   
   Click on the "Email to a friend" icon to open a form in a second window. This form offers a choice between sending only the URL or the full content of the page. The form requires only the recipient's email address and the sender's email address; names are optional. Licensed content, such as encyclopedia articles, news stories and drug information, may not be sent to mailing lists or used for commercial distribution. NLM does not collect names or email addresses for any purpose other than to transmit the email.
   
   
2. MedlinePlus Libraries page
   
   The MedlinePlus Libraries pages have been completely redesigned. The main Libraries page allows selecting a U.S. state or territory, Canadian province, or other geographic area. Separate pages for each state, province and territory provide information about the libraries in the area, including address, telephone number, and Web site link if available.
   
   Libraries can now choose to add themselves to the MedlinePlus Libraries page. A library that is a DOCLINE participant can edit its own DOCUSER record to supply contact information. This information is displayed on three different screens within DOCLINE:
   
   
   1. Address Tab/Institution form,
   2. Contacts Tab/Consumer Health form, and
   3. Services Tab/Consumer Health form.
   
   The Libraries page lists the library under its state, province, territory, or country heading only when the library has checked the "Authorizes listing in MedlinePlus" box on the Services Tab/Consumer Health form.
   
   Libraries that provide information services for consumers are encouraged to add their listings to these new pages. If you have questions about the DOCUSER form, please direct them to your Regional Medical Library.
   
   
3. Email announcement "en español"
   
   Spanish speakers may now sign up to receive a biweekly email announcement of new topics and sites on MedlinePlus en español. Click on the Subscribase! link to receive these informative messages.

As always, NLM welcomes any comments and suggestions about MedlinePlus. A link to "Contact Us" is at the top of every page.

By Naomi Miller
Public Services Division

Miller N. MedlinePlus^® Adds New Features. NLM Tech Bull. 2003 Mar-Apr;(331):e15.