General Information

Wilson Information Services Corporation (WISCO), of Frederick, Maryland, is responsible for providing library services to Government and Contractor personnel at the National Cancer Institute at Frederick (NCI-Frederick). This includes obtaining and disseminating information necessary for research and administration.

In general, the Scientific Library assists in all phases of the research process, providing:

• background research information needed prior to initiating a new project

• current awareness services used to keep up with the latest developments in specific scientific topics

• data for evaluation and comparison in monitoring other similar research projects conducted elsewhere

• support for dissemination of research results, preparing for publication

• resources for evaluating quality of research performed.

The information comprises a wide variety of formats: published materials, computerized databases, electronic media, audiovisuals, and Internet resources, all intended to provide both retrospective and current data. Online and CD-ROM bibliographic searching, document delivery, current awareness updating, and interlibrary loan are typical of the services available to NCI-Frederick personnel. Instructing users in ways to obtain information in an electronic environment and assisting them in making the most of their microcomputer resources is an increasingly important aspect of the services the Library provides.

The Scientific Library is available for use by the general public to read from the Library's collections, use the computers, and make copies of articles during core weekday hours, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (please review Library Hours). To print from the computers or to use the photocopier, debit cards are available for purchase with a $1 bill. Copies are $.10 (black and white) and $.50 (color). Library staff cannot make change. The general public may not check out books, print or photocopy for free, ask for reference assistance, or attend classes. Visitors not directly affiliated with the NCI-Frederick, by virtue of their status as either an employee or a contractor, may not use library services without written permission from the Contracting Officer, NCI, Bldg. 427, telephone (301) 846-1112. . All those wishing to use the Scientific Library must sign in at the Library entrance and present a photo ID. Individuals needing to borrow materials must make arrangements with their own library to obtain these materials via interlibrary loan.