Bioinformatics Training How do we make all of these bioinformatics librarians anyway? A librarian’s perspective

First of all - Definitions “conceptualizing biology in terms of macromolecules…and then applying ‘informatics’ techniques…to understand and organize the information associated with these molecules, on a large-scale” Luscombe 2001 How much of this is in traditional library disciplines under other names?

Are librarians the right people? Alpi states that “the audience for bioinformatics training” consists of getting “computer science and information technologists” and “biologists and other scientists” to appreciate and integrate each others’ disciplines. While she acknowledges NCBI being part of the NLM, and the role of medical librarians in genetic searches, there is no inclusion of librarians in those who need full training.

Where does Alpi see librarians? Question Hierarchy Basic Questions – All librarians should be able to answer these Technical Questions – More advanced librarians with knowledge of exactly what each database is for can answer these Analytical Questions – These require significant background in biology. Librarians are not mentioned.

Training Resources Vanderbilt has an internship/bioinformatics rotation as part of their clinical librarian program and web tutorials. NCBI offers the most extensive training to librarians with one-day, three-day, and five-day intensive courses, as well as web tutorials. SP MLA also offers continuing education opportunities.

Training Resources Cont. Mention of Brad’s poster at ASIST for full-time bioinformatics degree programs . Lack of training programs for librarians is mentioned in the final paragraph. UNC has taken steps towards addressing this, but what is needed to gain the number of librarians required?

Currency Databases are constantly shifting and forming to answer genomic and proteomic questions. Nucleic Acids Research annual issue with categorized list of databases. Professional associations

Changes Degree programs/cont. ed. for librarians Involvement in teaching these resources to graduate students and faculty Making the library the center of bioinformatics help for the campus Communicating the new tools and services available Creating a familiar web presence