A Web-based assessment of bioinformatics end-user support services at US universities.
OBJECTIVE
This study was conducted to gauge the availability of bioinformatics end-user support services at US universities and to identify the providers of those services. The study primarily focused on the availability of short-term workshops that introduce users to molecular biology databases and analysis software.


METHODS
Websites of selected US universities were reviewed to determine if bioinformatics educational workshops were offered, and, if so, what organizational units in the universities provided them.


RESULTS
Of 239 reviewed universities, 72 (30%) offered bioinformatics educational workshops. These workshops were located at libraries (N = 15), bioinformatics centers (N = 38), or other facilities (N = 35). No such training was noted on the sites of 167 universities (70%). Of the 115 bioinformatics centers identified, two-thirds did not offer workshops.


CONCLUSIONS
This analysis of university Websites indicates that a gap may exist in the availability of workshops and related training to assist researchers in the use of bioinformatics resources, representing a potential opportunity for libraries and other facilities to provide training and assistance for this growing user group.
Messersmith
Donna J
DJ
Labs-Now, P.O. Box 386, Garrett Park, Maryland 20896-0386, USA. dmessersmith@labs-now.com
Benson
Dennis A
DA
Geer
Renata C
RC
D019295:Computational Biology / Q000193:education*; D004496:Education, Continuing / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D007318:Inservice Training / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D020407:Internet; D007990:Libraries; D014481:United States; D014495:Universities