U.S.-Mexico Border Virtual Health Library (BVHL)
The U.S.-Mexico Border Virtual Health Library (BVHL) represents an expansion and renewal of the current model of technical cooperation in health sciences information by promoting the production of multimedia information sources at a binational level, an information network with direct and universal access, without geographical and time barriers.
Its decentralized operation allows the participating institutions of both sides of the U.S.-Mexico Border to master strategic information technologies and to contribute to the equity of access on health information and binational cooperation.
Shared access to international scientific journals in electronic format has been promoted through the establishment o binational consortia of U.S.-Mexico Border health sciences institutions and universities. This alliance remains inscribed in a Memorandum of understanding that was signed by the participating institutions as a symbol of commitment and binational cooperation.
Since its initial plan of action the BVHL has been founded on the following principles:
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Commitment to equitable access to health information
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Priority to the actions focused on the adoption of the new paradigm established by the VHL
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Promotion of alliances and consortia to improve shared use of resources
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Decentralized development and operation in all levels
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Development based upon local conditions
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Establishment and application of integrated mechanisms for quality control and evaluation
It is expected that once the BVHL is fully operational will facilitate public health professionals in the border region the management of essential technologies for achieving access and dissemination of health information.
The BVHL’s collection differs from other information resources available on the Internet as it follows quality control and common methodologies, at the same time it responds to both countries demand for developing and operating information sources on the Internet.