The Information Resources Management Section provided a wide range of computer-related consultation and support to Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics (DCEG) investigators and to other researchers. Guidance and support were provided to scientists and administrative personnel in the effective use of personal computers, the local area network (LAN), and associated automation technology. Overall coordination was provided for the management of computer support services obtained under contract, for the procurement of other Division research and resource contracts, and for the acquisition and utilization of automatic data processing supplies and equipment. Noteworthy initiatives included: (1) providing technical support and expertise for the management, administration, and maintenance of the DCEG LAN, which has over 180 workstations; (2) implementing an on-line help procedure to manage requests for personal computer and LAN assistance; (3) designing and implementing a procedure to track mainframe computer costs for each DCEG investigator; (4) coordinating development of the DCEG Home Page; (5) providing systems design support to NCI and NIOSH scientists for an Exposure Assessment system; (6) analyzing potential savings that would result from acquiring a Unix-based computer; (7) training visiting Russian collaborators on the biorepository inventory system; (8) representing DCEG on the NCI Information Resources Advisory Council; and (9) administering the DCEG-wide computer support services contract.
