Category Archives: About the Library

New Resource: NIH Data Management and Sharing Policy Guide

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The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has issued a new Data Management and Sharing Policy, effective January 25, 2023. This policy includes an expectation that researchers will maximize their data sharing activities, ensure they submit a Data Management Plan (DMP) at the time of grant submission, and deposit their data into a public repository. To support the implementation of this new policy, a resource guide has been developed to provide information and guidance for our researchers. Click the link below to go directly to the guide.   

NIH Data Management and Sharing Policy LibGuide

Whether you are applying for a new grant or have a renewal deadline in your near future, this guide will help you navigate policy changes and requirements, as well as connect you with the right individuals or departments should you have specific questions. This guide has been customized for MSK staff and will be updated accordingly to ensure that researchers are provided with the latest information related to the policy.  

If you have questions about the guide, or would like to request a presentation about the new policy, please contact Anthony Dellureficio, Associate Librarian, Data Management Services. 

Celebrating 2022 MSK Library Kudos

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We are so proud to end 2022 with a selection of “kudos” and thanks we received from the MSK community this year. MSK, you keep us going!

You told us how we saved you time…

“Fantastic! I spent a great deal of time looking for it. You are so efficient! Thank you so much.” 
Department: Radiology

“I am a big user of our library and as an author of more than 700 articles a person familiar with libraries and their resources….but today you did something that was important for me, and I could never have done it. I know you said that’s what librarians do….but it really is true. I am so grateful (and impressed).”
Department: Ophthalmic Oncology Service

“I’m so impressed by the Library service because you have the skills to compile the articles in this way that I don’t and it makes our lives so much easier as researchers.”
Department: Surgery

We always love hearing from our incredible nursing community:

“Thank you so much for all your work on this for us. Couldn’t have done it without you. Thanks again!”
Department: Nursing 

“This is outstanding! Thank you! Our leadership team is very appreciative of your hard work!”
Department: Nursing

“I REALLY appreciate your help! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!”
Department: Nursing

And in simple terms, you just said thanks:

“Many thanks! It is wonderful to work with you on this.”
Department: Dermatology

“Wow, thank you so much… this is amazing!”
Department: Sloan Kettering Institute

“This is just amazing.” 
Department: DigITs

Reflecting on Rock Star Librarians: Celebrating 2022 Accomplishments

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As we say goodbye to 2022, it’s important to celebrate our achievements this past year. Below I have highlighted some of our accomplishments which would not have been completed without the dedication and focus of an amazing team of information professionals.

Administration

  • Virtual Connections, MSK Library Report 2020 – 2021 – This report celebrates many successes and shares the library team’s direction over the time period covered. Key improvements have been highlighted regarding operations and services, sharing client impact stories and metrics, and displaying library staff’s publications.  
  • 2022 Staff Publications – From our publication website as of 12/11, we have listed 2 conference posters, 15 journal articles including systematic reviews, and 7 external presentations. 

Archives 

  • MSK Archives & Online Presence – We are revitalizing the MSK Archives by establishing a digital presence to increase awareness of this valuable resource and service to the MSK community and beyond. The Archives now falls under the Library’s stewardship.
  • ArchivesSpace – Identified a content management system which should be implemented by year end. This resource will allow researchers both inside and outside of MSK to learn about and search the contents of the MSK archival collections.

Content Management 

  • Implemented OpenAthens – An identity and IP-based authentication application that provides access to the library’s licensed online resources via single sign-on (SSO) technology, replacing the previous system, EZproxy.  MSK staff will be able to use their MSK network credentials to sign on regardless of whether they are on or off VPN.  

  Data Management 

  • Data Policy Finder – Launched new resource to help researchers (who are preparing or planning to publish their research) navigate publication policies and identify relevant data, code, and materials availability policies.
  • Synapse / MSK Data Catalog Integration –  We improved the cataloging workflows by providing bi-directional linking between two Library databases to enrich discoverability of MSK research output.

 Scholarly Communications 

  • Library Publications – We produced and released the 2021 Synapse Annual Publications Report and Research in Review: An Analysis of MSK Publications 2016-2020. These reports highlight MSK researchers and their publishing achievements, while also showcasing Synapse, the authoritative resource for MSK authors and their publications. 
  • CV Central – The Synapse team collaborated with the CV Central Team to incorporate Synapse publication data into this tool and helped to resolve roll out issues.
  • Cancer Center Support Grant (P30 CA008748) – Full compliance with the NIH Public Access Policy is a federal requirement and failure to meet this compliance standard can delay the processing of the Cancer Center Support Grant’s competitive renewals and non-competing continuation awards. Collaborated with SKI Core Grant team in the review of MSK publications and worked with authors to ensure NIH funding requirements were fulfilled.  
  • New Synapse Feature – Direct export of publications from Synapse to CSV (Excel) released December 2022 which supports and enhances users’ workflows.

  User Services 

  • LibAnswers Implementation – New library-specific application to track user transactions. Includes: FAQ knowledgebase of questions and answers users can access 24/7, improved real time analytics via RefAnalytics and LibInsight which allow for the creation of custom datasets to meet our unique data-gathering needs, and the introduction of a new live chat product (LibChat) which offers a more seamless user experience.  
  • ILLiad Concierge Implementation – A complete system analysis of ILLiad Document Delivery system was done to enhance service to users and improve staff productivity.
  • Single Sign-On for ILLiad Accounts – In collaboration with the Library Programmer, the DDS team installed a special module on the ILLiad server allowing ILLiad accounts to be automatically created and verified at the point of authentication. Our users no longer have to “register” for ILLiad accounts, saving them time and effort.

Virtual Services 

  • Chat Widget – The LibraryHelp chat widget on the Library website was replaced with the LibChat (LibAnswers) widget. Chat/Ask Us support was expanded to Synapse, the MSK Data Catalog, and ORCID@MSK to provide users with point of need assistance and guide them through our “Ask Us” workflow from other library applications.
  • Security & Website Responsiveness – Update conducted for all library applications to improve security, responsiveness, and performance (Library website, Blog, Data Catalog, Synapse, ILLiad Document Delivery).

The MSK Library’s commitment to excellence in both services and the resources we provide will continue to be our top priority. Don’t hesitate to reach out to let me know how we are doing, or how we can help you.

Wishing everyone happy holidays, and a joyous and healthy new year.

Donna Gibson
Director, Library Services