Leprosy and Information Technology

Leprosy Mailing List – February 20th, 2008

Ref.: Leprosy and Information Technology
From: Prickett I., London, UK


Dear Dr Noto,

I would like to contribute to the discussion started by Dr. Deepak by showing how Infolep, the international knowledge centre for leprosy, uses information technology. Infolep facilitates access to (digital) information on leprosy for anyone involved in leprosy, from researchers and students to programme managers and field workers.
Infolep’s main services are:
• (digital) information on leprosy
• electronic access to key publications on leprosy
• (help with) literature searches
• information from our databases and our library catalogue
• advice and support to information resource centres in leprosy endemic countries
• quick reference on leprosy
• library
With the widespread use of Internet and e-mail, ‘distance’ is a no longer a problem for professionals all over the world to request (and receive) information on leprosy. Results of literature searches and answers to questions are preferably sent by e-mail: No risk of getting lost in postal mail services, and much faster.
Infolep also maintains a website on leprosy with up-to-date fact sheets, on-line entry to the catalogue of the Infolep library, and access to digital resources. The Infolep website is momentarily under construction but will be relaunched this spring as a part of the new ILEP Federation website.

By using the Internet as a medium to advocate our services and by making publications available online, we can reach anyone, anywhere, anytime.

Please contact Infolep at Infolep@leprastichting.nl for more information about its services or the new website. For those attending the International Leprosy Congress in Hyderabad, please visit the ILEP booth and find out more about Infolep.

Regards,

Imogen Prickett

ILEP Technical and Information Co-ordinator