NCBI has just released a new blog called NCBI Insights at ncbiinsights.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. We created NCBI Insights to provide an insider’s perspective to help you better understand us and our resources, explore issues of scientific interest that drive our resource development, and demonstrate how you can use our resources to help enhance your research.

We will post articles in four categories:

* NCBI Explained – provides an insider’s perspective on our resources and policies to help you better understand us and avoid some common misconceptions and misunderstandings.
* What’s New – introduces our new and updated resources and include specific examples that demonstrate how you can use these to enhance your research.
* Quick Tips & Tricks – explain hows to perform specific tasks using our website. Selected topics will be chosen based on questions you have asked and suggestions you have provided.
* Science Features – explores current topics in science and demonstrate how you can find relevant data or resources on our website for further exploration.

This blog is a complement to our existing education and outreach efforts, such as News and Social Media publicity, Webinar and Workshop training programs, and Help Desk user support.

Be sure to check in to the NCBI Insights Blog every week or so and let us know what you think!

In sponsored partnership, the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) and the National Network of Libraries of Medicine (NN/LM) National Library of Medicine Training Center (NTC), are pleased to invite participation of health sciences librarians in a new bioinformatics training course: “A Librarian’s Guide to NCBI.” Instructors will be NCBI staff and Diane Rein, Ph.D., MLS, Bioinformatics and Molecular Biology Liaison from the Health Science Library, University at Buffalo.

The course provides basic knowledge and skills for librarians interested in helping patrons use online molecular databases and tools from the NCBI. Attending this course will improve your ability to initiate bioinformatics services at your institution and/or extend current initiatives. Prior knowledge of molecular biology and genetics is not required. Participants who complete the class will be eligible for MLA Continuing Education credits. The course is free but travel costs are at the expense of the participant.

For more information and a link to the application, visit the Technical Bulletin article dated December 13, 2012 here:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/pubs/techbull/nd12/nd12_training_ncbi_application.html