Abstract
Biomedical researchers are increasingly reliant on obtaining bioinformatics training in order to conduct their research. Here we present a model that academic institutions may follow to provide such training for their researchers, based on the Molecular Biology Information Service (MBIS) of the Health Sciences Library System, University of Pittsburgh (Pitt). The MBIS runs a four-facet service with the following goals: (1) identify, procure and implement commercially licensed bioinformatics software, (2) teach hands-on workshops using bioinformatics tools to solve research questions, (3) provide in-person and email consultations on software/databases and (4) maintain a web portal providing overall guidance on the access and use of bioinformatics resources and MBIS-created webtools. This paper describes these facets of MBIS activities from 2006 to 2018, including outcomes from a survey measuring attitudes of Pitt researchers about MBIS service and performance.
Highlights
Recent advancement in molecular technologies such as massively parallel DNA sequencing, microarray platforms, and other high-throughput methodologies, generate substantial amounts of scientific data
We believe that the benefits far outweigh the costs of running Molecular Biology Information Service (MBIS)
The advantages to the library and the university are many: (1) significant financial savings via institution-wide network licensing of commercial bioinformatics software over individual researcher-based licenses; the negotiated institute-wide network licensing cost paid by the library is far less than the total cost if every software user paid market price [35], (2) continuous engagement with the research community through training and consultations increases library visibility and prestige, and (3) immediate access to quality software and associated training speeds up research and can prevent months of unnecessary, or flawed, analytical work
Summary
Recent advancement in molecular technologies such as massively parallel DNA sequencing, microarray platforms, and other high-throughput methodologies, generate substantial amounts of scientific data. It is very challenging for biomedical researchers to self-train and stay updated with this moving target To help such researchers at the University of Pittsburgh (Pitt), the Health Sciences Library System (HSLS) established the Molecular Biology Information Service (MBIS) in 2002 as an innovative bioinformatics support service. Bioinformatics software is routinely developed to analyze these complex, large datasets: RNA-Seq for gene expression studies [20], Exome-Seq for variant detection [21], and ChIP-Seq [22]and ATAC-Seq [23] for epigenomic experiments Application of these computational tools is critical for experimental scientists to uncover molecular mechanisms underpinning intricate biological processes and diseases. The MBIS program started in 2002 with one faculty librarian, added a second faculty librarian in 2007, and a third in 2018
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