Sally A. Gore

Trends in health sciences library and information science research: an analysis of research publications in the Bulletin of the Medical Library Association and Journal of the Medical Library Association from 1991 to 2007

OBJECTIVE This study analyzed trends in research activity as represented in the published research in the leading peer-reviewed professional journal for health sciences librarianship. METHODOLOGY Research articles were identified from the Bulletin of the Medical Library Association and Journal of the Medical Library Association (1991-2007). Using content analysis and bibliometric techniques, data were collected for each article on the (1) subject, (2) research method, (3) analytical technique used, (4) number of authors, (5) number of citations, (6) first author affiliation, and (7) funding source. The results were compared to a previous study, covering the period 1966 to 1990, to identify changes over time. RESULTS Of the 930 articles examined, 474 (51%) were identified as research articles. Survey (n = 174, 37.1%) was the most common methodology employed, quantitative descriptive statistics (n = 298, 63.5%) the most used analytical technique, and applied topics (n = 332, 70%) the most common type of subject studied. The majority of first authors were associated with an academic health sciences library (n = 264, 55.7%). Only 27.4% (n = 130) of studies identified a funding source. CONCLUSION This studys findings demonstrate that progress is being made in health sciences librarianship research. There is, however, room for improvement in terms of research methodologies used, proportion of applied versus theoretical research, and elimination of barriers to conducting research for practicing librarians.

e-Science and Data Management Resources on the Web

The way research is conducted has changed over time, from simple experiments to computer modeling and simulation, from individuals working in isolated laboratories to global networks of researchers collaborating on a single topic. Often, this new paradigm results in the generation of staggering amounts of data. The intensive use of data and the existence of networks of researchers characterize e-Science. The role of libraries and librarians in e-Science has been a topic of interest for some time now. This column looks at tools, resources, and projects that demonstrate successful collaborations between libraries and researchers in e-Science.

All Health is Local: Go Local Massachusetts Helps Consumers Locate Health Care Services Close to Home

Abstract Go Local Massachusetts (GLM) is a Web-based resource designed to help the residents of Massachusetts identify health services, health care providers, and health-related programs available in their local area. Go Local is an extension of MedlinePlus(r), the National Library of Medicines Web site for consumer health information. The goals of GLM are to (1) identify local health care service resources, (2) link the resources to subjects within the MedlinePlus database, and (3) increase collaboration between entities in Massachusetts with health information technology, making these services available to all residents of the state. This article describes the process of developing GLM, including establishing state-wide partnerships, building the database, and promoting the resource to librarians, health care providers, and the general public.

Shaping Up: Boot Camp and Other Programs Addressing Professional Development Needs of Science Librarians

Scientists work collaboratively with online tools, relying almost exclusively on online resources and sharing publications freely online while generating and utilizing large datasets. As a result, librarians charged with providing services to the scientific community face both opportunities and challenges in keeping up in this electronic, digital environment. To meet these challenges, library leaders from the five campuses of the University of Massachusetts System established an on-going e-Science initiative. This initiative focuses on increasing awareness and understanding of the principles of e-Science while improving general knowledge within different scientific disciplines. Programs of varying lengths and focus provide local and affordable professional development opportunities that improve the working librarians ability to better serve scientific researchers and students.

Sex Differences in Central and Peripheral Factors of Skeletal Muscle Fatigue

Women generally exhibit greater fatigue resistance than men, due in part to differences in muscle mass. Less muscle mass in women results in decreased oxygen demand and increased oxygen delivery at the same relative workload compared to men and yields greater endurance. The purpose of this study was to examine sex differences in muscle fatigue between male and female athletes matched for muscle mass. Twenty four males and females were tested and yielded eight male-female pairs matched for age, training history and thigh muscle volume. Thigh muscle volume was estimated via circumference and skinfold measurements using the truncated cone method. Mean difference in thigh muscle volume between subjects within each pair was 2.13 ml (SD = 2.25). Strength was measured as maximum voluntary contraction (MVC), determined by superimposing an electrical stimulus at 3x threshold (26-pulse, 100-Hz, 250-ms train) while subjects performed a 5-second maximum isometric contraction on a Cybex® dynamometer. Central activation ratio (CAR = MVC / MVC + electrical stimulation) was calculated to insure maximum motor unit recruitment. Subjects then completed a fatigue protocol of intermittent, 5-second sustained isometric leg extension at 50% of initial MVC with alternating 5-second rest periods until exhaustion. At termination, a final 5-second MVC was performed with superimposed electrical stimulation and CAR was calculated to quantify the contribution of central factors to fatigue. Sex differences in time to fatigue, rate of fatigue, percent of initial strength at fatigue, and CAR were assessed with paired ttests. There were no significant differences within matched pairs for time to fatigue, rate of fatigue, or percent of initial strength. There was no significant difference in CAR. The