By Michele
Matucheski, MLS, AHIP and
Elissa
Kinzelman-Vesely, MLIS, MA
Question : What is the Ascension
Wisconsin Librarian’s role in helping with student research assignments?
Health
Science Librarians are experts in :
·
Formulating
answerable clinical questions
·
Knowing
which literature databases to search
·
Constructing
successful search strategies, and
·
Limiting
search results to relevant literature topics.
We’re here
to assist nurses, physicians, and other health care providers with access to
evidence-based practice as it relates to
patient care. We know your time is
short, and searching is what we do best.
The
Librarians will also take the time to teach nursing and health care students HOW to do their own library research;
however, it is beyond our scope to actually complete research assignments for
students. Since it is part of your
education to learn the research process, it would not be ethical, or honest for
the Librarians to complete research assignments for school projects. In short, we canno do your work for you, if it's for a school assignment.
Whether you
are an RN, RN-to-BSN, MSN, or DNP student,
the Librarians can help you LEARN
the research process. That said, we
are happy to teach you how to find the information for yourself. We’ll actively play a role in your education
so that you learn the skills you need to be an effective and continuous learner
in your work life.
Here’s what
you can expect from your Ascension Wisconsin Librarian when you bring us a student
research assignment. We will :
- Set up a
research consultation appointment in person or via Skype
- Lead you
through the research process
- Help you refine
your search strategy
- Introduce
you to appropriate databases (PubMed or CINAHL), or other resources,
- Teach you
how to use the databases effectively and efficiently with subject headings,
appropriate search terms, filters & limits to arrive at a focuses set of
search results,
- Demonstrate how
to access full-text articles
- Show you how
to request articles from your Librarian when not available in fulltext.
Your Health
Science Librarians have a great deal to offer students. We enjoy teaching you how to do
your own library research. This is our
job. This is what we love.
Most people who take the time to meet with a
Librarian appreciate the personalized care and special attention. Even better : They are amazed and delighted
at what the Librarians can pull up on their particular topics, not to mention
the search tips and tricks we can offer!
Research
takes time, so plan ahead. Make an
appointment with your Librarian, and learn how to maximize your research efforts. Even if
you’re at a site without a library/librarian, we can Skype and share desktops
to help you remotely.
