Learn how to use NLM resources to find drug and chemical information through a suite of on-demand classes. Complete all 3 classes for an in-depth introduction to NLM drug and chemical information resources, or complete the class that meets your needs for a specific population or commonly received questions.
A patron wants to read more about the iron supplement her physician recommended, but she’s overwhelmed by what she reads online. A resident needs a list of the adverse effects of antihistamines on nursing mothers. A faculty member is searching for the latest research about a new Alzheimer’s drug therapy.
If you’re a librarian working in a public or healthcare setting, these scenarios might sound familiar. This suite of on-demand classes will introduce you to the NLM resources that provide drug and chemical information for consumers and healthcare professionals, from interactions to adverse effects to clinical trial results. While you work through interactive hands-on scenarios, you’ll learn about the drug and chemical information-seeking habits of your patrons, helpful reference interview questions to ask, and how to efficiently navigate this unique information landscape.
NLM Resources you can learn about in this class include: ClinicalTrials.gov, DailyMed, LactMed, LiverTox, MedlinePlus, MeSH, NLM Bookshelf, PubChem, and PubMed. Check the objectives for which resources are covered.
Each 2-hour class has distinct learning outcomes.
1. Using, Providing and Prescribing Medications
- Distinguish between drug and chemical information resources according to how they match consumer or prescriber needs
- Locate drug and chemical safety information, side effects, and interactions in MedlinePlus
- Locate prescription and over-the-counter FDA drug labeling in DailyMed
2. Finding Properties, Effects, and Interactions
- Select whether PubChem, LactMed, LiverTox, or PubMed is the appropriate resource to use based on an information need
- Locate a drug’s adverse effects or toxicity information in PubChem, LactMed, LiverTox, or PubMed
- Use PubChem to find drug and chemical interactions, structures, and properties
- Locate toxicological reviews in Bookshelf
3. Exploring New Drug Research
- Evaluate how drugs, chemicals, and related topics are indexed in MeSH in order to hone a PubMed search strategy
- Use advanced PubMed search strategies in order to locate the most relevant literature
- Locate clinical trials in PubMed and ClinicalTrials.gov about a specific drug therapy