For those who have been following  H1N1 influenza virus news (and those who might expect to get questions about it), the Public Library of Science (PLOS) and Google have launched a new mashup service:

PLOS Currents : Influenza is built utilizing Google Knol and a new service from the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) called Rapid Research Notes.  This service allows the user an easy way to follow current research and search for relevant scientific information.

As we approach influenza season, expect greater levels of concern and interest in H1N1.

found via the Official Google Blog

I suspect that Swine Flu is likely to be a common research question for reference departments around the world during the foreseeable future.  I have had an interest in the 1918 influenza epidemic pandemic for several years, and have spent some time this weekend keeping an eye on various resources.

Several good places to start:

• Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Swine Influenza. Reliable and up-to-date information from the U.S. Government.
• CDC Human Swine Flu Investigation.  This page is linked from the above page, but is worthy of its own reference as it details the current state of the outbreak.
• Wikipedia has several pages that are relevant:  A general information Swine influenza page, a 2009 swine flu outbreak page, and a 2009 swine flu outbreak in the United States page.  Each of these are especially valuable for their References and Further Reading pages.
• H1N1 Swine Flu Google Maps page.  This is an already sobering, world-wide view of the spread of the outbreak.  Note the legend detailing the meaning of the colors of the markers, as well as whether they contain dots.  Click on the markers for detailed information on that marker’s case(s).

Recognize that there will be a great deal of information pouring through various media, much of it guesswork and possibly incorrect.  Remember that the greatest strength of libraries is our offering not only unfettered access to information, but assisting users in using that information critically.

To illustrate this, I am also linking to one of the best articles I have read on the 1918 influenza pandemic, easily the worst outbreak in modern history:   The Site of origin of the 1918 influenza pandemic and its public health implications.  It details research into the origins of the outbreak, and makes a very strong case for the original location.  Note, however, that even though this was published over five years ago, most histories (including the Wikipedia link earlier in this paragraph) either ignore it or continue with various misconceptions based on incomplete research.

The lesson: encourage thoroughness and critical thinking in research, and recognize that many can and do get it wrong (but many can and do get it right, as well).

The Great Pandemic : The United States in 1918-1919 is a single resource on a specific topic, but it presents it very well.  Created by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it focuses on personal stories from influenza survivors, telling the story of the outbreak from its origins in Haskell County, Kansas through its worldwide spread.

If you are not familiar with this event, this is a great place to start.  If you are familiar, this is a great review and a way to introduce this important historical event to others.

found via ResourceShelf