Medical Reference Services Quarterly 

About: Medical Reference Services Quarterly is an academic journal published by Taylor & Francis. The journal publishes majorly in the area(s): Health care & The Internet. It has an ISSN identifier of 0276-3869. Over the lifetime, 1166 publications have been published receiving 9987 citations.

Alexa, Siri, Cortana, and More: An Introduction to Voice Assistants

Abstract: Voice assistants are software agents that can interpret human speech and respond via synthesized voices. Apple's Siri, Amazon's Alexa, Microsoft's Cortana, and Google's Assistant are the most popular voice assistants and are embedded in smartphones or dedicated home speakers. Users can ask their assistants questions, control home automation devices and media playback via voice, and manage other basic tasks such as email, to-do lists, and calendars with verbal commands. This column will explore the basic workings and common features of today's voice assistants. It will also discuss some of the privacy and security issues inherent to voice assistants and some potential future uses for these devices. As voice assistants become more widely used, librarians will want to be familiar with their operation and perhaps consider them as a means to deliver library services and materials.

Global Health Observatory Data Repository.

Abstract: The Global Health Observatory Data Repository is the publicly available interface for the World Health Organization's health-related statistics for the 194 countries that are Member States. It includes statistics for over 1,000 indicators including mortality, child nutrition, maternal health, HIV/AIDS, environmental health, equity, and more. This overview explains the variety of ways that users can access and browse WHO's health-related statistics.

Augmented Reality: A Review

Abstract: Augmented reality is a technology that overlays digital information on objects or places in the real world for the purpose of enhancing the user experience. It is not virtual reality, that is, the technology that creates a totally digital or computer created environment. Augmented reality, with its ability to combine reality and digital information, is being studied and implemented in medicine, marketing, museums, fashion, and numerous other areas. This article presents an overview of augmented reality, discussing what it is, how it works, its current implementations, and its potential impact on libraries.

An Introduction to the Blockchain and Its Implications for Libraries and Medicine.

Abstract: The blockchain is a relatively new technology used to verify and store transaction records for online cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. The system is redundant and distributed, making it difficult for transactions to be rescinded, duplicated, or faked. Beyond online currencies, the blockchain has potential uses in health care, education, and many other fields. This column will briefly describe what the blockchain is and how it is being used, potential future uses that may be of interest to librarians and medical practitioners, and some of the problems with the system.

3D Printing: Making Things at the Library

Abstract: 3D printers are a new technology that creates physical objects from digital files. Uses for these printers include printing models, parts, and toys. 3D printers are also being developed for medical applications, including printed bone, skin, and even complete organs. Although medical printing lags behind other uses for 3D printing, it has the potential to radically change the practice of medicine over the next decade. Falling costs for hardware have made 3D printers an inexpensive technology that libraries can offer their patrons. Medical librarians will want to be familiar with this technology, as it is sure to have wide-reaching effects on the practice of medicine.