The relatively new exception to copyright law that we enjoy in the UK, permitting text and data mining (TDM) for the purposes of non-commercial research, offers potential to further knowledge and make scientific and medical breakthroughs. Importantly, the new exception states that any contractual clause which purports to restrict this exception is automatically null and void. Librarians who manage electronic resources and datasets can assist researchers greatly. However, in order to do this they need a robust understanding of the law and to be assertive in their relationships with publishers when negotiating or interpreting licence agreements. This article examines the ways in which librarians can facilitate the work of researchers who want to use TDM. It also argues that librarians need to encourage researchers to exploit the new copyright exceptions as key partners in the research process.
Yandex is an excellent alternative to Google. Not only does it work in the same way, so you'll immediately be familiar with the interface, but it also provides extra functionality that goes way beyond anything that Google can offer. It's a real search engine for real information professionals. If you're tired and fed up with the limitations that Google places on you when you're trying to search, take a look at Yandex.
Anders Huitfeldt argues that the answer depends on your definition of “risk factor” and calls for greater clarity in research
The risk factor approach to epidemiology was introduced by the Framingham Heart Study investigators, who first alluded to the idea in 1951. The first use of the term “factor of risk” appeared in 1961, but it was not precisely defined. The resulting semantic confusion has hindered precise communication about study design and data analysis. To illustrate the problem, let us suppose that you want to study the causes and distribution of personal wealth. NB looks at definitions of terms in research. To read the full article, log in using your NHS OpenAthens details
Positive discussions have taken place between Telford & Wrekin Council and Madeley Town Council with a view to saving the town’s library & First Point Service.
Madeley Library was one of six earmarked for possible closure in Telford & Wrekin Council’s budget proposals – as the council strives to make £30m of cuts.
However, since then a drive to establish community partnerships to enable libraries to be delivered in a different way has resulted in announcements that Hadley, Dawley and Newport libraries will all continue.
No final decisions have been taken but one of the preferred options is for the Library to move into the Anstice Memorial Hall – which historically used to house Madeley Library.
Stirchley Library is set to soon be run by Stirchley & Brookside Parish Council.
Meanwhile talks are progressing well with community organisations led by the Brookside Big Local Partnership (BBLP) and supported by the parish council on the future of Brookside Central.
Stirchley Library was one of six earmarked for possible closure in Telford & Wrekin Council’s budget proposals – as the council strives to make £30m of cuts.
As the first nurses and midwives start to pass through the revalidation process, the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) continues to produce supporting materials for employers and registrants.
Over the next few weeks, look out for new resources designed to help you and your nursing and midwifery workforce go through the process.
Wards and departments across Shropshire’s two acute hospitals have been presented with new books to celebrate World Book Night.
160421-worldbooknightweb
Chief Executive Simon Wright is pictured delivering the books to Oonagh Le-Maitre
One of the departments to benefit was the Renal Unit at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital (RSH), and Simon Wright, Chief Executive at The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust (SaTH), was on hand to deliver the novels to Ward Manager Oonagh Le-Maitre on Thursday 21 April.
GRADE is a method of assessing the certainty in evidence (also known as quality of evidence or confidence in effect estimates) and the strength of recommendations in health care. In the paper the authors acknowledge that trustworthy answers are required across different timeframes, sometimes in just hours.
This study sought to determine whether a flipped classroom that facilitated peer learning would improve undergraduate health sciences students' abilities to find, evaluate, and use appropriate evidence for research assignments. Students completed online modules in a learning management system, with librarians facilitating subsequent student-directed, in-person sessions. Mixed methods assessment was used to evaluate program outcomes. Students learned information literacy concepts but did not consistently apply them in research assignments. Faculty interviews revealed strengthened partnerships between librarians and teaching faculty. This pedagogy shows promise for implementing and evaluating a successful flipped information literacy program. To read the full article, log in using your NHS OpenAthens details
Stephen Fry actor, comedian and writer has given his support to libraries by appearing in a new poster campaign from the Chartered Institute of Library & Information Professionals (CILIP). The poster is available to download for free.
Different approaches to learning, including integrating face to face and e-learning. To read the full article, log in using your NHS OpenAthens details
Following Britain’s decision to leave the EU, right now in terms of copyright, it is unclear about what this will mean for us, our member organisations and UK users of copyright works through library, archive and information services.