LONDON, August 20 /PRNewswire/ -- People affected by the debilitating neurological condition multiple sclerosis (MS) now have world-class information at their fingertips thanks to a UK first by the MS Society.

The charity, which is the largest of its kind supporting people affected by MS, has this week created an online library of the thousands of books, journals, papers and magazines that it has in its collection, searchable from anywhere with an internet connection.

The database opens up the library to the world and now anyone interested in any aspect of MS can see what's available, download documents and texts and request loans.

MS Society librarian, David Bates, said: "For years the MS Society has had a library available to support the information needs of people affected by MS, but there has been no way for people to search it themselves and access the documents.

"This new facility opens up the world-class information we have from leading authors to people across the UK, and around the world."

The library includes information aimed at lay audiences, children and professionals and features the full text of MS Society publications including all of the Essentials series and a wide selection of articles from MS Society membership magazine MS Matters from the last four years.

Journals are available too. If the Library subscribes to the relevant journal, or the article is open access, there will be a link straight to the full article. If not, the abstract will be available and the full article available on request.

"If you can't access an article electronically, or want to request something we don't already have, get in touch," David added. "This is a fantastic resource and the first of its kind in the UK."

To access the library, go to http://www.mssociety.org.uk/library

Notes to Editors:

- The MS Society (http://www.mssociety.org.uk) is the UK's largest charity dedicated to supporting everyone whose life is touched by MS, providing respite care, an award-winning freephone helpline (0808-800-8000), specialist MS nurses and funds around 40 vital MS research projects in the UK.

- Multiple sclerosis is the most common disabling neurological disorder affecting young adults and an estimated 85,000 people in the UK have MS.

- MS is the result of damage to myelin - the protective sheath surrounding nerve fibres of the central nervous system - which interferes with messages between the brain and the body.

- For some people, MS is characterised by periods of relapse and remission while for others it has a progressive pattern.

- Symptoms range from loss of sight and mobility, fatigue, depression and cognitive problems. There is no cure and few effective treatments.

For media enquiries please contact the MS Society Press Office on +44-208-438-0840, or the out of hours duty press officer on +44-7909-851-401