We heard from you, our Library users, that you wanted a quiet place to write. You also told us, in multiple surveys, that you would like writing resources at your fingertips. And, that you would appreciate classes that can help you improve your writing.
In response to your requests, the Library's staff is pleased to announce the launch of the NIH Library Writing Center. As both a virtual and a physical space, the Writing Center provides access to the tools you need when you are ready to write.
Virtual Access 24-Hours-A-Day
Consult writing resources anytime and anywhere. Just mouseover Research Tools on the NIH Library website and select “Writing Center” from the drop-down menu. From the main page you will find links to information about writing topics such as grammar and punctuation, journal impact factors and the h-index, and the publishing process. The direct link is: http://nihlibrary.nih.gov/ResearchTools/WritingCenter.htm.
Physical Writing Center Now Open
The NIH Library Writing Center's physical space is located on the lower level of the Library, in Building 10. Behind the glass door, you will find three study carrels and a laptop chair available on a first-come, first-served basis. Borrow a laptop, settle into a study carrel, look up a writing reference online or from one of the books on the shelves, and print your draft manuscript during Library open hours.
Although the books in the Writing Center do not get checked out, the Library provides some duplicate copies in the circulating and reference collections.
Four laptops are also available for use by NIH staff from the Information Desk. These laptops, which can be used throughout the Library, are networked to print to the printer in the Writing Center. A laptop loan agreement is required when borrowing a laptop for the first time.
NIDCD Editing Service Pilot Underway
The NIH Library is currently conducting an editing service pilot project with NIDCD staff. The pilot is meant to gauge the level of need for the service and to develop best practices for the group of librarians and informationists who will serve as editors. The NIH Library's editing service for all of NIH is anticipated to begin late fall 2008.
We Welcome Your Feedback
Library staff plan to add additional resources to the Writing Center webpages and books to the print collection, as funds are available. Other plans include offering a writing training program with events such as brown bag lunch and learns and classes on using bibliographic management tools to format manuscripts. Your suggestions for collection development, writing classes, and reference service are encouraged so that we may grow the Writing Center.
For more information about the NIH Library Writing Center, call Reference & Information Services at 301-496-1080 or email the Writing Center Team at nihlibwct-l@mail.nih.gov.