UC-Springer Agreement Provides Free Open Access

As of 2009, papers by UCSF authors that appear in journals published by Springer will be fully open access. This means that the articles will be freely available online for other researchers to cite and utilize in their own research. These articles will also be deposited in the University of California's eScholarship Repository.

The Springer Open Choice program allows authors from any institution to make their articles open access, but only with payment of an expensive fee. The UC program, negotiated by the California Digital Library, ensures that there will be no fees for UC authors. This is the first agreement of its kind in North America.

Class Schedule Available Through April

The class schedule for January - April 2009 is currently available. The Library continues to offer basic and advanced training in PubMed@UCSF, EndNote, and RefWorks. Other hands-on classes include Google Search Tips & Tricks, Grants & Funding Sources, and Introduction to Podcasting. All of the classes are free.

At Mission Bay, UCSF personnel can take classes on Chimera, an extensible molecular modeling program developed and taught by the Resource for Biocomputing, Visualization, and Informatics.

Four classes are scheduled at SFGH, including Online Nursing Resources and PubMed: Searching for Evidence.

Sign up online to attend one of these free sessions. For more information about classes, contact us.

Ingenuity Pathways Analysis: Trial Through June

Through June 2009 the Library is offering a trial of Ingenuity Pathways Analysis (IPA), a software application that allows researchers to compare pathways for common or unique biological molecules and to identify potential biomarkers.

In December we hosted two very successful workshops about IPA, taught by Matthew Gormley of UCSF's Fisher Lab. Attendees were enthusiastic about how IPA could help facilitate their research. In order to maintain access to IPA after June 2009, the Library will need to partner with departments or labs to help finance the license. If your department or lab would be interested in supporting an IPA license, please contact Anneliese Taylor, the Library's Collection Development Manager.

Instructional Grants Proposals Due March 16

The UCSF Instructional Grants Program is offering grants of up to $18,000 for instructional improvement projects focused on interprofessional education. Successful grant applications will emphasize innovation and education programs that cross traditional boundaries (e.g., cross-School programs that serve a diverse range of health professions students). Supported activities include development of new educational programs, modification of existing instructional programs, introduction of experimental approaches to content or processes, teaching evaluation, and student assessment activities.

UCSF faculty, students, and staff are invited to apply. Proposals are due Monday, March 16, 2009. Get the complete program guidelines and application procedures.

For questions, contact Brian Warling, (415) 502-6678.