Specialized training and continuing education will enable health information professionals to reach beyond traditional roles. While it is still easier for librarians with science backgrounds to advance into the field of bioinformatics, new degree programs, fellowships, and workshops are increasingly available for information professionals of any background. The Education Web page of the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) [2], the Resources Web page of the Molecular Biology and Genomics SIG of the Medical Library Association [3], and Alpi's article, “Bioinformatics Training by Librarians and for Librarians: Developing the Skills Needed to Support Molecular Biology and Clinical Genetics Information Instruction” [4], offer additional information about training and education opportunities.
Several models of advanced training in bioinformatics currently exist in the library and information science domain. For example, a “certificate of specialization in bioinformatics” is awarded in conjunction with either a master's of library science or a master's of information science from the School of Information and Library Science (SILS) at the University of North Carolina (UNC) at Chapel Hill. Coursework comprises a battery of required courses in information and library science together with courses in biology and biostatistics [5]. Hemminger's list of the major bioinformatics programs in the United States provides information for those seeking master's level training in bioinformatics [6]. Another option is a master's degree in chemical informatics, such as that offered through the program in chemical informatics and bioinformatics at Indiana University [7].
Health sciences librarians who develop greater depth of knowledge in bioinformatics have much to offer researchers in the key areas of communication, collection development, knowledge management, training and teaching, writing or publishing, and intranet systems development. Responsibilities of the health sciences librarian can be extended by embracing the role of the “informationist” and pursuing additional training or by seeking contacts in research and clinical settings. The greater the depth of knowledge in these fields, the more deeply involved health informationists can become in team-based research projects.
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