Joan C. Bartlett

Developing a protocol for bioinformatics analysis: An integrated information behavior and task analysis approach

The purpose of this research is to capture, understand, and model the process used by bioinformatics analysts when facing a specific scientific problem. Integrating information behavior with task analysis, we interviewed 20 bioinformatics experts about the process they follow to conduct a typical bioinformatics analysis—a functional analysis of a gene, and then used a task analysis approach to model that process. We found that each expert followed a unique process in using bioinformatics resources, but had significant similarities with their peers. We synthesized these unique processes into a standard research protocol, from which we developed a procedural model that describes the process of conducting a functional analysis of a gene. The model protocol consists of a series of 16 individual steps, each of which specifies detail for the type of analysis, how and why it is conducted, the tools used, the data input and output, and the interpretation of the results. The linking of information behavior and task analysis research is a novel approach, as it provides a rich high‐level view of information behavior while providing a detailed analysis at the task level. In this article we concentrate on the latter.

Combining classifiers for robust PICO element detection

BackgroundFormulating a clinical information need in terms of the four atomic parts which are Population/Problem, Intervention, Comparison and Outcome (known as PICO elements) facilitates searching for a precise answer within a large medical citation database. However, using PICO defined items in the information retrieval process requires a search engine to be able to detect and index PICO elements in the collection in order for the system to retrieve relevant documents.MethodsIn this study, we tested multiple supervised classification algorithms and their combinations for detecting PICO elements within medical abstracts. Using the structural descriptors that are embedded in some medical abstracts, we have automatically gathered large training/testing data sets for each PICO element.ResultsCombining multiple classifiers using a weighted linear combination of their prediction scores achieves promising results with an f-measure score of 86.3% for P, 67% for I and 56.6% for O.ConclusionsOur experiments on the identification of PICO elements showed that the task is very challenging. Nevertheless, the performance achieved by our identification method is competitive with previously published results and shows that this task can be achieved with a high accuracy for the P element but lower ones for I and O elements.

A task-based information retrieval interface to support bioinformatics analysis

In this research-in-progress paper, we present the design and pilot testing of an interface created to support the integration of bioinformatics analysis with biological laboratory research. The interface presents a task-based bioinformatics analysis protocol detailing the functional analysis of a gene sequence, a complex information task that is problematic for many biologists. The interface guides the user through a series of 14 analytical steps, providing details on why to follow the step, what data is input/output, what tool(s) to use and how to interpret the results. It provides the framework and support within which the user can accomplish the information task. Our pilot testing has demonstrated initial evidence of the effectiveness of the interface, but also highlighted areas for clarification and enhancement.

Information literacy courses in LIS schools: Emerging perspectives for future education

This study investigates how information literacy courses have been taught in American Library Association-accredited library and information science programmes. Using a content analysis approach, we compared information literacy course syllabi from Master of Library Science (MLS) programmes collected in 2005 and 2009. In addition, courses in school library media (SLM) programmes were analysed and compared with MLS syllabi. It was found that the goals of information literacy courses in both types of programme are to educate librarians who can facilitate the development of information literacy skills in the communities they serve. However, our analysis revealed different approaches: information literacy courses in MLS programmes focused on instructional techniques while SLM courses focused on integrating information literacy in the larger educational context. Although instructional techniques are still important, recent literature suggests that effective information literacy education requires integrating skills in learners’ unique contexts. We suggest that MLS courses need to go beyond instructional methods and emphasise more collaboration and integration of information literacy practices in their users’ communities.

New Immigrants' Perceptions and Awareness of Public Library Services / L'opinion des nouveaux immigrants et leur sensibilisation aux services des bibliothèques publiques

Although numerous articles and books offer advice on serving immigrant populations in public libraries, little research has been conducted which asks immigrants directly about their needs and experiences. This paper reports the results of three focus groups which took place with a total of 14 different individuals who moved to Canada in the past 10 years from countries in Asia, Central America, and Africa. Focus group discussions found that the participants appreciate the library system but were largely unaware of the range of library services available.

Understanding how webcasts are used as sources of information

Webcasting systems were developed to provide remote access in real-time to live events. Today, these systems have an additional requirement: to accommodate the “second life” of webcasts as archival information objects. Research to date has focused on facilitating the production and storage of webcasts as well as the development of more interactive and collaborative multimedia tools to support the event, but research has not examined how people interact with a webcasting system to access and use the contents of those archived events. Using an experimental design, this study examined how 16 typical users interact with a webcasting system to respond to a set of information tasks: selecting a webcast, searching for specific information, and making a gist of a webcast. Using several data sources that included user actions, user perceptions, and user explanations of their actions and decisions, the study also examined the strategies employed to complete the tasks. The results revealed distinctive system-use patterns for each task and provided insights into the types of tools needed to make webcasting systems better suited for also using the webcasts as information objects.

Discovering and structuring information flow among bioinformatics resources

In this poster, we present a model of the flow of information among bioinformatics resources in the context of a specific scientific problem. Combining task analysis with traditional, qualitative research, we determined the extent to which the bioinformatics analysis process could be automated. The model represents a semi-automated process, involving fourteen distinct data processing steps, and forms the framework for an interface to bioinformatics information.

Scientists' preferences for bioinformatics tools: the selection of information retrieval systems

In this paper, we present the findings of a survey of scientists regarding the characteristics they rate as important in their selection of bioinformatics tools. A total of 223 biologists completed a web-based questionnaire in which they assessed 39 individual characteristics of bioinformatics tools, independently rating the importance of each one in their selection of bioinformatics tools. The most highly rated characteristic was whether a tool actually accomplished what a participant needed it to do. Other highly rated characteristics included the ease of use of a tool, online availability, little or no cost, the ability to handle large data sets, and compatibility with other tools. Rated as non-important were characteristics relating to an imposed choice, such as a tool already having been purchased. Differences in ratings were found between those whose work was primarily focused on laboratory biology, and those whose work was primarily computer focused. The findings provide a set of characteristics by which bioinformatics tools can be annotated to facilitate the selection of tools. The findings also highlight the need to consider the requirements of different user groups in the design and development of information systems, rather than assuming that one size fits all.

The role of context in search: Examining the effect of subject domain on the search interface

Using a 48-person group in a within-subjects design, we investigated how people search differently within diverse domains: consumer health, shopping, travel and general research. Our goal was to identify the distinctive characteristics of search behavior within each domain that impact the design of the search interface.

Mobile device use to access information on well-being: Mobile Device Use to Access Information on Well-being

The focus of this study is to identify and describe the use of mobile devices for supporting and maintaining well‐being among millennials. Data collection involved semi‐structured interviews of 18 undergraduate students (aged 18–24). They primarily defined their personal well‐being in terms of physical health, mental health and spirituality. They used their mobile devices extensively in support of well‐being, including searching for information (both text and multi‐media), establishing and maintaining social connections, tracking routines (e.g., nutrition, sleep) and setting and pursuing fitness goals. Our initial findings demonstrate how mobile devices are used in support of an everyday life task such as maintaining personal well‐being.