Basic Science Caucus

(formerly Molecular Biology and Genomics SIG)

Members: 126     Discussions: 347     Files: 9

The Basic Science Caucus is open to all individuals who are interested in library-based information sources and instruction in molecular biology, genomics and bioinformatics (and other “omics”). Meetings are held at the MLA annual conference each year.

Statement of Purpose

This caucus:

• provides a forum for exchange of knowledge about molecular biology, genome projects, and clinical genetics information resources and the skills in using them;
• facilitates communication and collaboration in the development and delivery of information services related to these areas;
• promotes the exchange of ideas and experiences in marketing the services to current library clientele, lab-based groups, clincians, and a broad range of instructors and students of biology and medicine; and
• collaborates with sections to develop relevant conference programming and promote the professional development of librarians in this area.

Public Resources

Directories of bioinformatics resources

• Online Bioinformatics Resources Collection (U. of Pittsburgh)
• Bioinformatics Links Directory (bioinformatics.ca)
• Nucleic Acids Research Database Issues: Categories List
• OpenHelix: Find and Use the Genomics Resources Relevant to Your Needs (search engine)
• iBIRA: Integrated Bioinformatics Information Resource Access

NCBI Teaching Materials

• “A Librarian’s Guide to NCBI” is a course offered annually since 2013. Course slides and exercises are available.
• NCBI offers a variety of teaching materials on the Education page.
• Follw NCBI's channel on YouTube.

Tutorials

• OpenHelix
  The green icon identifies free online tutorials to learn how to use major bioinformatics resources, which may also be retrieved using a search engine. Slides and hands-on exercises are often available as well. The Open Helix blog proposes weekly tips that are useful to stay current with new databases.
• Canadian Bioinformatics Workshops at Bioinformatics.ca
  Advanced workshops in bioinformatics: Statistics with R, Clinical genomics and biomarkers, High throughput sequencing… Slides and videos available.

Video Tutorials

• OpenHelix Blog Tip of the Week
• Molecular Biology Research Tips by the University of Colorado Health Sciences Library
• TogoTV

Image: A dehydrogenase enzyme from the bacteria Colwellia psychrerythraea, by Matt Howard

Basic Science Leaders