Request For Information-National Network Of Libraries Of Medicine
Request for Information-NIHLM2014157
Purpose
This Request for Information (RFI) numbered NIHLM2014157 offers health sciences and public libraries, health professionals, public health workers, community organizations, the general public, and other interested individuals and entities the opportunity to recommend effective approaches on how the National Network of Libraries of Medicine (NN/LM) (http://nnlm.gov) can provide all U.S. health professionals with equal access to biomedical information and improve the public's access to health information. The National Library of Medicine (NLM) (http://www.nlm.nih.gov/) manages the NN/LM. A Fact Sheet summarizing the NN/LM programs is available (http://www.nlm.nih.gov/pubs/factsheets/nnlm.html).
Background
The NLM supports patients, health care providers, researchers, librarians and others, who seek current and high quality biomedical information and data. The NLM provides over 130 databases that cover health, genetics, drugs and chemicals, and many other topics. Those databases include, PubMed, MedlinePlus, Wiser, Clinical Trials, GeneEd and Genetics Home Reference, BLAST, Sequence Databases, UMLS, Raw Data and Application Programming Interfaces (APIs). In addition to the opportunities for librarians in informatics training programs, NLM currently supports post-masters training of health sciences librarians, mid-career leadership training, fellowships for combining subject matter and information science expertise and educational symposia on specific topics.
In I965, the Medical Library Assistance Act (MLAA) established the National Network of Libraries of Medicine (P.L. 89-291) to assist in the development of medical libraries' services and to facilitate the dissemination and use of information related to health sciences. The NN/LM is managed by the National Library of Medicine via 5-year competitive contracts with eight Regional Medical Libraries (RMLs), an NLM Training Center (NTC) (http://nnlm.gov/ntc), and an Outreach Evaluation Resource Center (OERC) (http://nnlm.gov/evaluation). In addition to the RMLs, NTC and OERC the Network currently consist of over 6,000 member organizations. The Network provides convenient access to biomedical and health information resources for US health professionals, researchers, educators, and the general public. It is the core component of the NLM's outreach program, and its efforts to reduce health disparities and improve health information literacy. Through a variety of programs the NN/LM promotes professional development and lifelong learning opportunities for health sciences librarians.
The goals of the NN/LM are to:
• Develop collaborations among health sciences libraries, other types of libraries and organizations to improve access to and sharing of biomedical information resources
• Promote awareness of, access to, and use of biomedical information resources for health professionals and the public
• Develop, promote and improve electronic access to health information by libraries, health professionals, and organizations providing health information to the public.
Information Requested
Recognizing that there have been many changes in information seeking behavior, technology, education, and the health care environment, NLM is seeking input from current and potential user communities to maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of the National Network of Libraries of Medicine.
Your comments can include but are not limited to the following guiding questions.
Priorities, Strategies, Partnerships
1. What priorities should the Network address? Provide recommendations.
2. What strategies should be used to reach varied populations, including minorities and the underserved? (We are interested in hearing about strategies and practices that have proven successful in the past and that might point the way to future strategies and practices.)
3. What are the most effective ways to partner with libraries, health, information, community organizations to reach health professionals, public health professionals, and the general public?
Outreach, Programs Training, Resource Sharing
1. What new outreach roles and/or untapped outreach opportunities should be considered? What are barriers and opportunities in these new roles?
2. Which Network programs should receive less emphasis or be considered for elimination? Why?
3. What are the most effective strategies to support health sciences librarians in their knowledge and ability to support NLM products and services?
4. What role should resource sharing (Interlibrary Loan) play in supporting the Network's mission to promote access to biomedical and or health information?
Membership, Network Structure, Service Coordination
1. What should be the responsibilities of Network membership? What should be the benefits?
2. What type of Network advisory structure is needed?
3. Will the geographical configuration of the Network meet future needs? What services of the Network could be coordinated nationally? What services are best coordinated at a local or regional level?
Submitting a Response
All responses must be submitted via email to Justin Fraser at [email protected] and Uyen Phuong at [email protected] by 3 PM June 26, 2014. Responses are limited to 20 pages and must be submitted via a Microsoft Word document (.doc or .docx) or a non-image created PDF. The Government will not read past the 20th page on any response exceeding this page limit.
Please include the Notice number in the subject line. Response to this RFI is voluntary. Responders are free to address any or all of the categories listed above.
NLM will use the information submitted in response to this RFI for planning purposes and is not obligated to comment or respond to any responder's submission. However, responses to the RFI may be reflected in futures solicitations. The information provided will be analyzed and may appear in reports.
Disclaimer and Important Notes
This Request for Information is for informational and planning purposes only and shall not be construed as a solicitation or as an obligation or commitment by the Government. This request is intended strictly for market research.
This request does not obligate the Government to award a contract or otherwise pay for the information provided in response. The Government reserves the right to use information provided by respondents for planning purposes. Respondents are advised that the Government is under no obligation to acknowledge receipt of the information received or provide feedback to respondents with respect to any information submitted. [Contracts will add comments and reference 15.201(e).]
Confidentiality
No proprietary, classified, confidential, or sensitive information should be included in your response. The Government reserves the right to use any non-proprietary technical information in any resultant solicitation(s).
Justin Fraser, Phone 3014354375, Email [email protected] - Uyen Phuong, Phone 3014354382, Email [email protected]
