Science Caucus

Members: 236     Discussions: 535     Files: 11

Description of the Science Caucus

The Science Caucus is open to all information professionals who are interested in library-based information resources and communications with the basic science community. The caucus members range from those with an expansive basic science background to those who are new to the liaison roles of a basic science librarian. We share our experiences to broaden our knowledge, learn from each other’s perspectives and to better serve our stakeholders. Caucus meetings are held monthly via Zoom, including the annual business meeting.

Fields covered within the Science community: 

• Biomedical research and support
• Bench Science
• Basic Science
• Clinical Science
• Data Science

Statement of Purpose

•  Provide a platform to exchange ideas and learn from one another about the services and resources for the communities we serve.
• Provide opportunities for our members to share their knowledge through caucus scholarly communications.
• Equip science librarians with the most up-to-date knowledge and skills needed to meet their communities' needs through knowledge-sharing, presentation, and mentorship.
• Collaborate with other MLA caucuses and members on relevant issues, trends, and challenges impacting the sciences information community and our stakeholders.

Member benefits

• Collaboration
• Mentorship
• Scholarly opportunities
• Staying updated with changes to the field

2023 caucus activities/projects

• An exploration of Basic Science Information Professionals: educational background, liaison roles, and Carnegie Classification
• Update of caucus About page, statement of purpose, and resources
• Quarterly presentations

2022 caucus projects

• Panel: Making Sense of Basic Science Librarianship When You Are Not a Basic Scientist

Examples of librarian services provided to the science community

• Research and academic resources
• Research services and instruction
• Data management education and services
• Publication assistance and repositories
• Author profiles and journal metrics
• Education and resources for federal grant policy requirements

Public Resources

• NIH DMSP & Tools
  OSF | Working Group on NIH DMSP Guidance
  (Some Basic Science Caucus members might be involved?
• More resources coming soon!

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

Science Caucus Leaders