Happy Australia Day!

G’day folks, I thought as it is Australia day I should highlight some of the Australian collection in the Official Publications Unit.
We have a small, in depth range of books from the Australian Government departments. These range from books from the National Library of Australia, the Australian National Gallery and Australian Museum. There is a series on the Historical Records of Australia from series 1 vol. 1, and a wealth of statistics from the mid 60s to the mid 80s from the Bureau of Statistics. We even have books and periodicals from the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation. There is also the Australian yearbook from 1980 onwards; the latest can be found in the reading room.
There is a book about the insects of Australia, although I am too scared to look at that one!
If you can’t find the books you are looking for remember to contact the Official Publications Unit.
(photo credit Sydney-australia.biz)

World Leprosy Day 29th January

World Leprosy Day
is on the last Sunday in January, this year the 29th.
World Leprosy Day encourages prayer, fundraising, awareness and donations to aid those who have the disease. Over 100 countries are taking part and 2012's focus is transformation, focusing on Mozambique, one of the least developed countries in the world.
Leprosy, also known as Hansen's Disease, is caused by the bacillus, Mycobacterium leprae. Although spread by droplets from the nose and mouth - like colds and flu - it is not highly infectious.
It is curable by use of multidrug therapy (MDT). MDT consists of 3 drugs: dapsone, rifampicin and clofazimine.
The World Health Organization is aiming to eliminate leprosy from as many places as possible, by working to have leprosy care integrated into health services, committing resources and funding and removing the stigma of having the disease.
Leprosy was known in ancient civilizations as far back as 600 BC and it is very well documented in the Medical History of British India reports.

(Photo credit: www.idealeprosydignity.org)