Writing and Editing Classes

Peer-review journals are gradually requesting that a graphical or visual abstract is submitted with the manuscript for publication. This one-hour webinar explains what a graphical or visual abstract is, how it is being used, information that should be included when developing one, and how to create one. Sample abstracts will be shared with participants and access to an abstract template will be provided. Participants will leave this introductory webinar with a better understanding of this new submission component and know how to create one that best reflects their research. 

This class will provide an overview of databases and author profile websites to help locate experts in a research field. During this session, the instructor will review how to use tools to locate authors related to a specific topic, find algorithmically generated author profiles, and how to find author-maintained profiles. The instructor will also share how to identify additional citation and publication metrics for authors using InCites, including international and industry collaborations, first and last author positions, number of publications in high-impact journals, and more.

Tables, charts, and figures are often used to describe and share complex scientific information. However, it can be difficult to determine when it's appropriate to use these visual tools and how to design them effectively. During this session, participants will learn the best practices for creating tables, charts, and figures and how to customize them for specific journal requirements. An overview of design tools and resources will also be provided.

EndNote 20 is a reference management tool that tracks citations and formats them as you write your manuscript. This introductory session covers how to: download the latest version of EndNote from the NIH Library; import records into EndNote; create, manage, and share EndNote libraries; and insert formatted citations into a Word document using the "Cite While You Write" feature.

What’s the difference between “regular” statistics (i.e. what you may have been using in the past several years) and the “new” Bayesian statistics? Which one should you use for your next study?

What’s the difference between “regular” statistics (i.e. what you may have been using in the past several years) and the “new” Bayesian statistics? Which one should you use for your next study?

Researchers are increasingly using author identifiers, preprints, and social media to improve the visibility and discoverability of their research products. With rapid changes in technology and publishing models, researchers have more options than ever before to place their research findings in the public arena. Join us for this NIH Library-hosted symposium as experts discuss how you can elevate the visibility of your research, make it easier to find, and have a greater impact.

Creating a good scientific poster can be difficult. This class provides participants with tips and best practices to develop an engaging poster that conveys information clearly. This session is a short introduction for those new to creating a scientific poster and a refresher for those more experienced.

In partnership with the NIH Clinical Center's Biostatistics and Clinical Epidemiology Service (BCES), the NIH Library is offering a class to assist researchers in writing a manuscript. Participants will become familiar with statistical issues that can arise as well as recommendations to prevent them. At the end of the class, participants should have a good sense of what to do and not to do when writing the statistical sections of a manuscript. Most of the examples will be related to clinical research; however, anyone can benefit from the tips shared.

Choosing a quality journal to publish in can be a daunting task. In this class, participants will become familiar with the available resources and tools to assist in targeting quality journals, as well as ways to recognize questionable or predatory journals. Additional topics include tips to avoid a predatory conference, evaluating invitations to serve as a peer review or editorial board member, preprint servers, and what to do if you published with a questionable journal will be covered.

Research abstracts are an important element of manuscript and poster presentations. In this session, participants will learn the key components of an abstract including its structure and tips to write them succinctly. This session is a short introduction appropriate for new authors or a refresher for experienced authors.

This class is the second session in a two-part series that aims to assist researchers in writing a research paper. This second session will cover the process after a manuscript has been submitted to a journal and best practices on responding to reviewer comments. Participants will become familiar with the peer review process and how to respond appropriately to a journal’s decision. Additional topics that will be discussed are open access requirements for manuscripts and data sharing. Throughout the class, best practices and suggestions to make the process easier will be shared.

This class is the first session in a two-part series of classes on the nuts and bolts of writing a research paper. Participants will gain knowledge about writing each section of a research paper and submitting a manuscript. Participants will also receive tips for selecting an appropriate journal for publishing and understanding open access obligations. This class is intended for individuals new to writing and publishing, or for those who would like a refresher.

The effective use of grammar and punctuation is essential in crafting compelling and concise research papers. This class provides a refresher of grammar and punctuation rules that are sure to help make your writing clearer. Participants will brush-up on common grammar issues including subject-verb agreement, verb tense, and use of articles. Participants will also gain knowledge about helpful writing and editing resources, as well as effective proofreading tips.

This class will help authors navigate the legal and ethical issues surrounding copyright and plagiarism, identify and avoid potential copyright infringement issues, and ensure the integrity of their work as a component of their publishing process. This is part of NIH LIbrary's writing and publishing class series that supports writing, publishing, and scholarly communication.

Biosketches are used more and more in NIH internal reports. Participants will learn how to create a Biosketch with efficiency. Participants will also learn the appropriate components needed to put their best foot forward.

This session focuses on defining the scope of your review by applying techniques to formulate a workable research question. The class introduces various frameworks used for developing a research question, and presents the requirements and steps involved in conducting the literature search for the systematic review. Useful resources are introduced throughout the session.

Do you want to write a review, but not sure what type of review would be best for your research question or topic? In today’s research environment, everyone seems to be doing a review of some type, especially systematic reviews.  However, not all literature reviews are systematic reviews, nor need to be. There are many other types of evidence-based reviews. This session will explore the various literature review types, the associated methodologies of each, and how to select the best option for you.

Conducting a systematic review can be time consuming and challenging. This class provides an overview of the different steps in the comprehensive process of conducting a systematic review. At the completion of the class, participants will be able to identify each step of the systematic review process and know where to access valuable resources.

This class will provide an overview of the various reporting guidelines and standards established for conducting systematic reviews and how to use them in the writing of your systematic review manuscript. Participants will also gain valuable information about how to structure their manuscript and select appropriate journals for submission.

This class is a part of the systematic reviews class series. Systematic reviews are a complex undertaking and involve multiple steps in order to produce a quality systematic review. Developing a protocol to guide the conduct of your systematic review is a critical step. This class explains what a systematic review protocol is, how to develop one, and how to use it for the conduct of your systematic review. Resources to develop the protocol and where to register or publish it will be shared.

Gray literature is not controlled by commercial publishers and usually is not peer reviewed. However, gray literature can help identify useful information outside the published, peer reviewed articles through reports, dissertations, conference abstracts, official documents, research-in-progress, and clinical trials. It might get you information you would never find in traditional sources. This workshop will focus on how to find credible gray literature for your research topic or for part of a systematic review.

EndNote Desktop provides access to EndNote records allowing the user to collect and organize references and insert them into a manuscript. This introductory session provides hands-on learning including importing records into EndNote, creating, managing, and sharing EndNote libraries, and inserting formatted citations into a Word document using the “Cite While You Write” feature.

Learn how to write compelling and concise research papers, understand the publishing lifecycle, and become familiar with issues surrounding copyright and plagiarism. The NIH Library offers a variety of classes to enhance your knowledge about scholarly communication and increase your chances of being published.