Organization of the Specialized Information Services Division

• Plans, directs, and administers the activities of the Division of Specialized Information Services (SIS) and;
• Coordinates collaborative efforts with other Federal agencies in the general area of toxicology information.

Biomedical Files Implementation Branch

• Develops functional specifications for automated data and bibliographic files developed by SIS or established through interagency agreement;
• Consults and collaborates with public and Government scientists and organizations regarding the establishment, use, and transfer of automated biomedical information and data files;
• Defines specifications and develops procedures for the transformation and utilization of information and data acquired from external sources consistent with the needs of the scientific community;
• Provides the necessary support to permit distribution of the content of all SIS controlled files to the scientific community and Government agencies;
• Provides direction in the development of scientific data bases utilizing various data base management systems; and
• Manages contracts and agreements required in support of the above activities.

• Ensures the integrity of SIS-sponsored files and publications, and seeks new sources and new directions for SIS programs;
• Provides delivery of specialized information to the biomedical community through recognized library resources and select online information and data files;
• Acts as a clearinghouse to bring requesters in direct contact with participating, recognized subject area experts;
• Identifies information products and services needed in the biomedical community, and responds by developing and providing such products and services;
• Demonstrates to the scientific community the scientific value of products developed, and prepares and distributes manuals and technical materials designed to facilitate the use of such products and services; and
• Manages contracts agreements required in support of the above activities.

• Provides access to health information during all phases of disasters through the collection, organization, and dissemination of relevant health information;
• Develops innovative information products and tools to assist emergency responders and managers;
• Conducts research to support disaster health information management;
• Collaborates and partners with other federal agencies, national and international organizations, educational institutions and other communities to ensure that information management needs receive adequate attention in planning for, responding to, and recovering from disasters and in providing education and training for emergency personnel; and
• Provides training and support for librarians to act as disaster information specialists in meeting their community needs.

• Identifies clinical toxicology-related needs of clinical toxicology users and potential users.
• Develops new clinical toxicology resources or identifies enhancements to existing SIS resources in response to identified information needs.
• Interacts with NIH, government agencies, professional societies, and educational institutions on clinical toxicology-related information needs and collaborations.

• Conducts and manages outreach programs, especially those involving SIS, minorities, and minority institutions;
• Provides leadership for outreach and evaluation activities within SIS and collaborates with other offices and agencies involved in evaluation of programs and services;
• Serves as the focal point for SIS training and outreach activities to minority populations and other underserved groups;
• Serves as the SIS liaison to minority populations and other underserved groups;
• Serves as the SIS liaison with other NLM components involved in outreach and evaluation including the Office of Health Information Programs Development and the National Network of Libraries of Medicine; and
• Develops new SIS programs to reach health professionals, public health workers, and the public.