Vignettes: Diverse library staff offering diverse bioinformatics services

Area of Science:

• Bioinformatics
• Library Science
• Information Services

Background:

• Bioinformatics support is increasingly offered by librarians in various library settings.
• Librarians possess diverse educational backgrounds, ranging from art history to genetics.
• Existing bioinformatics services are established through multiple collaborative and independent approaches.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide examples of bioinformatics services offered by librarians in different library settings.
• To highlight the varied educational backgrounds and training of librarians providing bioinformatics support.
• To showcase successful models for establishing bioinformatics support programs in libraries.

Main Methods:

• An email inquiry was sent to attendees of National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) workshops.
• A 35-item questionnaire gathered data on librarian education, library setting, user base, and services.
• Responses were compiled into program vignettes to illustrate diverse bioinformatics support initiatives.

Main Results:

• Bioinformatics support services are successfully implemented in both academic and clinical library environments.
• Programs are established through collaborations with faculty, library-based workshops, and one-on-one consultations.
• Librarians with a wide spectrum of academic disciplines contribute to successful bioinformatics support.

Conclusions:

• Bioinformatics support programs can be successfully established in libraries irrespective of setting.
• Diverse staff backgrounds and varied approaches contribute to the success of library-based bioinformatics services.
• The study demonstrates the adaptability and value of librarians in providing crucial bioinformatics support.