The libraries have released a video preview of OskiCat, our new library catalog, coming this summer. Finding items in the UC Berkeley Libraries is about to get easier ... watch the preview now to find out how.

While the science and engineering libraries will maintain their normal hours during finals, the Moffitt Library and Gardner Stacks will be open for a 24-hour study hall beginning at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, May 12. These extended hours run until 2 a.m. on Wednesday, May 20.
»Today's hours

UC Berkeley licenses the ChemKnowledge System from Thomson Micromedex, a suite of databases and resources that together, provide a huge amount of information on chemical hazards. Anyone working in toxicology, hazardous waste, or occupational health should check this out.

Databases included in our subscription are:

• HAZARDTEXT, which provides information needed for the initial response to incidents such as spills, leaks, fires, or explosions involving hazardous materials
• INFOTEXT Documents offer general health and safety data on nonchemical-specific topics such as ergonomics and human health risk assessments
• HSDB (Hazardous Substance Data Bank) addresses the impact of thousands of hazardous chemical substances on health and the environment. Specific data on health effects, environmental fate, animal studies, chemical handling and manufacturer is presented
• RTECS (Registry of Toxic Effects of Chemical Substances) offers toxicity data on more than 135,000 substances, including specifics on mutagenicity, carcinogenicity, reproductive hazards, and acute and chronic toxicity of hazardous substances
• REPRORISK? System, the single most comprehensive compilation of reproductive risks information databases available, helps evaluate reproductive risks of drugs, chemicals and physical & environmental agents on females, males and unborn children
• Dolphin MSDS Collection, a vendor-rich collection of Material Safety Data Sheets for thousands of workplace chemicals. More the 330,000 MSDS from over 19,050 vendors is presented, with 5,000 new and revised MSDS added each month

and more!

Search help is available online. Databases may be searched individually, or in any combination.

Date: Wed, May 6, 2009.
Time: 1 p.m.–4:30 p.m.
Location: Bioscience & Natural Resources Library (2101 VLSB)
Trainers: Dr. Trey Lathe and Dr. Mary Mangan, OpenHelix, LLC

This is a hands-on computer workshop on the UCSC Genome Browser presented by OpenHelix, LLC. OpenHelix provides online tutorials and on-site training on comprehensive genomic programs.

The UCSC Genome Browser is an indispensable tool for biology and medical researchers seeking genomic information. Explore the official reference human genome sequence and learn to find genes and variations in disease, as well as other target genes important to your research in human and other species.

The introductory tutorial will cover the topics needed to effectively use this powerful, free, publicly-accessible tool, including:

• Basic functionality of Genome Browser searching
• BLAT use
• Effective use of the Table Browser
• Getting started with Custom Tracks

The workshop is approximately 3 to 3.5 hours. There will be a 10-15 minute break as well as time for Q&A. The training room accommodates up to 30 people. The seminar room has 12 computers, but you are also welcome to bring your own laptop.

Coming in Summer 2009: OskiCat, the new UC Berkeley library catalog, will replace Pathfinder and GLADIS, offering more contents and convenient new features.

What should you do to prepare?

• Return library materials you no longer need.
• Check your inventory on GLADIS and renew any items you still need.
• Update your email address at any library circulation desk.

Check the OskiCat announcement for more information.