Liaison services for a remotely located biotechnology research center

Area of Science:

• Biomedical librarianship
• Information science
• Biotechnology

Background:

• The Houston Academy of Medicine-Texas Medical Center (HAM-TMC) Library launched a prototype liaison program in April 1989.
• The program targeted the Baylor College of Medicine (BCM) Center for Biotechnology (CBT), located 35 miles away.
• The initiative aimed to assess the benefits and costs of library outreach and support Houston's biotechnology development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the benefits and costs of a library outreach program.
• To support the development of biotechnology research in Houston.
• To improve the CBT's access to the HAM-TMC Library's collection and services.

Main Methods:

• Initiated a prototype liaison program between HAM-TMC Library and BCM CBT.
• Described the project's objectives, development, and services provided.
• Collected feedback from biotechnologists and analyzed program costs.

Main Results:

• The pilot project provided valuable data on the information needs of biotechnologists.
• Strengthened relationships between the library and scientists.
• Demonstrated the feasibility and benefits of library outreach for specialized research groups.

Conclusions:

• The project yielded useful insights into serving specific scientific communities.
• The experience gained is informing future outreach strategies for other client groups.
• Liaison programs can effectively bridge the gap between libraries and geographically dispersed research centers.