Assessing clinical researchers' information needs to create responsive portals and tools: my Research Assistant (MyRA) at the University of Utah: a case study.

ABSTRACT: How can health sciences librarians and biomedical informaticians offer relevant support to Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) personnel?The Spencer S. Eccles Health Sciences Library and the associate vice president for information technology for the health sciences office at the University of Utah conducted a needs assessment.Faculty and staff from these two units, with the services of a consultant and other CTSA partners, employed a survey, focus groups, interviews, and committee discussions. An information portal was created to meet identified needs.A directive white paper was created. The process employed to plan a virtual and physical collaborative, collegial space for clinical researchers at the university and its three inter-institutional CTSA partners is described.The university's model can assist other librarians and informaticians with how to become part of a CTSA-focused infrastructure for clinical and translational research and serve researchers in general.

SUBMITTER: Reich M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3543136 | biostudies-other | 2013 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-other