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NLM Online Training Program 1998BackgroundOn June 26, 1997 NLM announced free Web-based access to MEDLINE through PubMed and Internet Grateful Med. Because of this recent development, the NLM Online Training Program for 1998 will be modified to present several new classes to introduce and train searchers on these two interfaces. New Classes Offered
This one-day class is designed for experienced MEDLARS or MEDLINE searchers. It is expected that students attending this class will have familiarity with MEDLINE, MeSH vocabulary and Boolean logic. Those core topics will not be covered in this Transition class. The class will examine both the PubMed and Internet Grateful Med search interfaces. It will include information for "translating" functions used by experienced searchers, especially those using ELHILL command language, to methods used by these Web-based interfaces. There will be no charge for this class. It will be taught at sites across the country by the National Online Training Center staff and in Bethesda, MD by NLM personnel.
This two-day class is designed for librarians and information specialists who are new to searching MEDLINE. This includes those who have never searched before, or the user with some searching experience but little prior knowledge of the MEDLINE database or the MeSH vocabulary. Students will learn to search MEDLINE via both PubMed and Internet Grateful Med, with emphasis on areas specific to NLM databases, including the MeSH vocabulary, database fields and creation, and Boolean logic. There will be no charge for this class. It will be taught at sites across the country by the National Online Training Center staff and in Bethesda, MD by NLM personnel.
This two-hour class with workbook is designed for health professional searchers. Librarians and information specialists at hospitals and universities or other facilities may use this workbook to train others. When completed this fall, the workbook will be available for downloading from the NLM Web site; watch for news of availability at NLM's Web site and in the Technical Bulletin. This 2-hour workshop and a companion "Train the Trainer"class will be offered later in 1998 by the Regional Medical Libraries. Dates for these classes have not yet been scheduled. Watch for further information from your RML. Information About Current Classes
The Fundamentals of MEDLARS Searching two-day class which was previously offered to teach new searchers the ELHILL command language and MEDLINE search techniques will no longer be offered in a classroom setting beginning in 1998. New searchers should register for Introduction to Web-based Searching for the Librarian and Information Specialist: Using PubMed and Internet Grateful Med to Search NLM's Databases. There are two training alternatives for the searcher who wishes to learn the ELHILL command language, or to brush up on certain ELHILL features. The Basics of Searching MEDLINE on ELHILL, a self-instructional workbook, has been updated and expanded and is available for downloading via the NLM Web site, at [This link was removed because it is no longer valid.] A print alternative (for a fee) is being investigated. Stay tuned for details. This workbook covers all topics currently addressed in the Fundamentals class. Non-billed training codes to use in conjunction with the Basics are also available from the National Online Training Center. There is also a computer-based alternative. The seven computer-based tutorials that are used in the Fundamentals class, e.g., MeSH Searching, MEDLINE Data Elements, Text Word Searching, Proximity Searching, are available for downloading via the National Online Training Center home page (http://nnlm.gov/ntcc/index.html). See Downloading Instructions at this address for further information for computer requirements and installation instructions.
This two-day class covers NLM's chemical and toxicology files, including TOXNET databases and assumes knowledge of the ELHILL command language. There is no charge for this class. It is taught only at NLM in Bethesda, MD.
This four-hour workshop will no longer be offered in its present format in 1998. Following the development and debut of our new classes, an update workshop similar to the R&R will be developed. Stay tuned for details in late 1998. How to ApplyThe 1998 training schedule for the Introduction, Transition, and Chem/Tox/TOXNET classes can be found at the end of this article. You may also view the schedule and register online for classes at http://nnlm.gov/ntcc/index.html. Alternatively, you may register for classes by completing the Request for NLM Online Training form found at the end of this article. Registration for these classes should be sent to the National Online Training Center located in New York, NY at the New York Academy of Medicine. The address and fax number are provided on the registration form. Every attempt will be made to place training applicants in the class requested. If a class is filled, the applicants will be registered for their second choice, and also automatically placed on a waiting list for their first choice. Approximately one month prior to the class, registrants will receive a packet with information on hotels, local site arrangements and the class agenda. All classes are considered "tentative" pending sufficient enrollment one month before the class. Questions/More InformationIf you have questions or need additional information, please contact the National Online Training Center or the MEDLARS Service Desk as follows:
A full description of these changes as well as Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) are available at the Web site.
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1998 Training Program