Barbara A. Epstein

Biomedical researchers are increasingly reliant on obtaining bioinformatics training in order to conduct their research. Here we present a model that academic institutions may follow to provide such training for their researchers, based on the Molecular Biology Information Service (MBIS) of the Health Sciences Library System, University of Pittsburgh (Pitt). The MBIS runs a four-facet service with the following goals: (1) identify, procure and implement commercially licensed bioinformatics software, (2) teach hands-on workshops using bioinformatics tools to solve research questions, (3) provide in-person and email consultations on software/databases and (4) maintain a web portal providing overall guidance on the access and use of bioinformatics resources and MBIS-created webtools. This paper describes these facets of MBIS activities from 2006 to 2018, including outcomes from a survey measuring attitudes of Pitt researchers about MBIS service and performance.

Biomedical researchers are increasingly reliant on obtaining bioinformatics training in order to conduct their research. Here we present a model that academic institutions may follow to provide such training for their researchers, based on the Molecular Biology Information Service (MBIS) of the Health Sciences Library System, University of Pittsburgh. The MBIS runs a four-facet service with the following goals: (1) identify, procure, and implement commercially-licensed bioinformatics software, (2) teach hands-on workshops using bioinformatics tools to solve research questions, (3) provide in-person and email consultations on software/databases, and (4) maintain a web portal providing overall guidance on the access and use of bioinformatics resources and MBIS-created webtools. This paper describes these facets of MBIS activities from 2006-2018, including outcomes from a survey measuring attitudes of University of Pittsburgh researchers about MBIS service and performance.

This article is the third in a series in this regular feature. The intention of the series is to look at important global developments in health science libraries. These articles will serve as a road map, describing the key changes in the field and exploring factors driving these changes. The present article by the current president of the Medical Library Association outlines two important developments in the United States. The topics chosen for consideration are national initiatives in the United States impacting health sciences libraries and librarians and enhanced roles for U.S. health sciences librarians in providing support for research. J.M.

The purpose of this lecture was to review the development of the Medical Library Association (MLA) oral history program and to highlight the oral histories of thirty-seven past MLA presidents to identify themes of common interest and relevance to current ...

What is the process of developing a clinical information tool to be embedded in the electronic health record of a very large and diverse academic medical center? The development took place at the University of Pittsburgh Health Sciences Library System. The clinical information tool developed is a search box with subject tabs to provide quick access to designated full-text information resources. Each subject tab offers a federated search of a different pool of resources. Search results are organized "on the fly" into meaningful categories using clustering technology and are directly accessible from the results page. After more than a year of discussion and planning, a clinical information tool was embedded in the academic medical center's electronic health record. The library successfully developed a clinical information tool, called Clinical-e, for use at the point of care. Future development will refine the tool and evaluate its impact and effectiveness.

In summer 2002, the Health Sciences Library System (HSLS) at the University of Pittsburgh initiated an information service in molecular biology and genetics to assist researchers with identifying and utilizing bioinformatics tools. This novel information service comprises hands-on training workshops and consultation on the use of bioinformatics tools. The HSLS also provides an electronic portal and networked access to public and commercial molecular biology databases and software packages. Researcher feedback gathered during the first three years of workshops and individual consultation indicate that the information service is meeting user needs. The service's workshop offerings will expand to include emerging bioinformatics topics. A frequently asked questions database is also being developed to reuse advice on complex bioinformatics questions.