he January-April 2006 schedule of NLM online searching training classes is available. At this time we are announcing only the January through April schedule of classes due to the recompetition of the National Network of Libraries of Medicine contracts for 2006-2011. The remainder of the classes for 2006 will be announced in a future issue of the NLM Technical Bulletin. These classes, along with the remainder of the year 2005 classes, may be found at the National Training Center & Clearinghouse Web site.

Classes Offered

NLM Training: PubMed®
Full-day class
7.5 Medical Library Association (MLA) continuing education credits
Cost: free

This class is designed to teach students how to use PubMed which includes MEDLINE citations. It also includes an overview of the Medical Subject Headings® (MeSH®) and its importance as a tool to both searchers and indexers.

NLM Training: NLM Gateway & ClinicalTrials.gov
Half-day class
3.5 MLA continuing education credits
Cost: free

This class is designed to teach students how to use the NLM Gateway. The NLM Gateway is a Web-based system that allows users to search simultaneously in multiple NLM retrieval systems. This class also includes a discussion and demonstration of ClinicalTrials.gov.

NLM Training: TOXNET®
Full-day class
6 MLA continuing education credits
Cost: free

This class is designed to convey the basics of searching the NLM's TOXNET, a Web-based system of databases in the areas of toxicology, environmental health, and related subjects. Students learn the content and structure of files covering toxicology data, toxicology literature, toxic releases, and chemical searching and nomenclature. Among the databases highlighted are TOXLINE®, the Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB®), the Integrated Risk Information System, the Toxic Release Inventory, and ChemIDplus®. The Toxicology and Environmental Health Information Program (TEHIP) Web site is introduced, as well as some additional special resources developed in this subject area by NLM.

UMLS® Basics
Full-day class
7.5 MLA continuing education credits
Cost: free

This class introduces NLM's Unified Medical Language System® (UMLS): what it is and how it is used. Students gain an understanding of the three UMLS Knowledge Sources: the Metathesaurus, the Semantic Network, and the SPECIALIST Lexicon and how these tools and resources enable systems to link biomedical information from different sources. A broad overview of over 100 source vocabularies contained in the Metathesaurus, including U.S. clinical and administrative standards, is provided. Criteria for assessing the usefulness of specific controlled vocabularies are discussed. The online UMLS Knowledge Source Server (UMLSKS) is used to access UMLS data throughout the class; hands-on exercises allow students to practice basic search skills. Students also use the MetamorphoSys software to install the UMLS Knowledge Sources, and to produce customized local versions of the Metathesaurus. The intended audience is medical librarians interested in the UMLS and in some of the issues and practical considerations involved in selecting and using controlled vocabularies in biomedical applications.

NCBI's Introduction to Molecular Biology Information Resources
Three-day course
20 MLA continuing education credits
Cost: free

This course provides an introduction to four domains of information generated by the field of molecular biology: nucleotide sequences, protein sequences, three-dimensional structures, and complete genomes and maps. An overview of the flagship search systems and databases available at the National Center for Biotechnology Information emphasizes how current search skills apply to molecular biology databases. A tour of advanced Entrez search features illustrates techniques for effective and efficient retrieval of molecular data and will help address some common user needs. The course also introduces more technical search systems, including BLAST, Map Viewer, and the Cn3D viewer for three-dimensional protein structures. The course format combines lecture, demonstration, and hands-on experience, and concludes with a discussion of various levels of molecular biology information services provided by librarians.

How to Apply
View the training class schedule and register online for classes at the National Training Center & Clearinghouse (NTCC) Web site at http://nnlm.gov/ntcc/. Every attempt will be made to place training applicants in the class requested. If a class is filled, applicants will be registered for their second choice and will also automatically be placed on the wait list for their first choice. Please note that all classes are considered "tentative," pending the required minimum enrollment being met one month before the class. Approximately one month prior to the class, registrants will receive information on hotels and local site arrangements. Information on location of training sites and links to many of the sites' Web pages are available from the NTCC Web site.

Each Person Makes a Difference
Our classes are in demand and usually fill rapidly, often creating a waiting list. In order to help us provide training opportunities to as many people as possible, please notify the NTCC office if you have registered for a class and your plans change. The more advance notice you give us, the more likely it is that someone else can take the available space. It is very disappointing to begin a class with empty chairs that could have been occupied. We are asking for your cooperation to help allow as many people as possible to benefit from this free training program.

Questions/More Information
If you have questions or need additional information, please contact:

The National Training Center & Clearinghouse
nttc@nyam.org
Web site: http://nnlm.gov/ntcc/
800-338-7657 (press 2) or
212-822-7396
or
NLM Customer Service
custserv@nlm.nih.gov
888-FINDNLM (888-346-3656)

By Janet Zipser
MEDLARS Management Section

Zipser J. NLM^® Training Program: January-April 2006. NLM Tech Bull. 2005 Jul-Aug;(345):e5.