The Impact of Library Resources and Services on the Scholarly Activity of Medical Faculty and Residents

2016 ◽  
Vol 35 (3) ◽  
pp. 259-265 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexandria C. Quesenberry ◽  
Sandy Oelschlegel ◽  
Martha Earl ◽  
Kelsey Leonard ◽  
Cynthia J. Vaughn
Keyword(s):  
Medical Faculty ◽  
Scholarly Activity ◽  
Library Resources ◽  
The Impact

scholarly journals Academic Medical Library Services Contribute to Scholarship in Medical Faculty and Residents

2017 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 165
Author(s):  
Peace Ossom Williamson
Keyword(s):  
Medical Faculty ◽  
Scholarly Activity ◽  
Library Services ◽  
Document Delivery ◽  
Medical Library ◽  
Academic Medical ◽  
Library Resources ◽  
Medical Libraries ◽  
The Impact

A Review of: Quesenberry, A. C., Oelschlegel, S., Earl, M., Leonard, K., & Vaughn, C. J. (2016). The impact of library resources and services on the scholarly activity of medical faculty and residents. Medical Reference Services Quarterly, 35(3), 259-265. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/02763869.2016.1189778 Abstract Objective – To assess the impact of academic medical library services and resources on information-seeking behaviours during the academic efforts of medical faculty and residents. Design – Value study derived from a 23-item survey. Setting – Public medical residency program and training hospital in Tennessee, USA. Subjects – 433 faculty and residents currently employed by or completing residency in an academic medical centre. Methods – Respondents completed a 23-question survey about their use of library resources and services in preparation for publishing, presenting, and teaching. The library services in the survey included literature searches completed by librarians and document delivery for preparation of publications, presentations, and lecture material. The survey also included questions about how resources were being accessed in preparation for scholarship. The survey sought information on whether respondents published articles or chapters or presented papers or posters in the previous three years. If respondents answered in the affirmative to one of the aforementioned methods of scholarship, they were provided with further questions about how they access library resources and whether they sought mediated literature search and document delivery services in preparation for their recent presentations and publications. The survey also included questions concerning what types of scholarly activity prompt faculty and residents to use online library resources. Main Results – The study was provided to 433 subjects, including 220 faculty and 213 residents, contacted through an email distribution list. The response rate to the survey was 15% (N=65). Residents comprised 35% of the respondents, and faculty at each of the three levels of tenure comprised 60%. The remaining 5% of respondents included PhD and non-clinical faculty within the graduate school. Over 50% of respondents reported use of library services in preparation for publishing and presenting. These library services were literature searches, document delivery, and accessing online resources. Faculty and residents reported use of PubMed first (71%) and most often, with 56% of respondents reporting weekly use, followed by Google or Google Scholar, with 20% of respondents reporting its use first and 23% of respondents reporting weekly use. However, regarding responses to the question concerning how journal articles are accessed, “using a search engine” was chosen most often, at almost 65%, followed by (in order) clicking library links in a database, contacting the library directly, searching the list of library e-journals, clicking publisher links in a database, using personal subscriptions, searching the library catalog, and using bookmarks saved in a web browser. Based on survey responses, faculty reported higher use of library services and resources than residents; however, residents reported higher use of library services and resources when preparing posters and papers for conferences and professional meetings. In addition, several comments spoke to the importance of the library for scholarly activity, many indicating the critical role of library assistance or resources in their academic accomplishments. Conclusion – This study provides evidence in support of library resources and services for medical faculty and residents, which contributes to discussions of the contributions of medical libraries. As hospital libraries close and academic medical libraries see reductions in budgets, this study contributes to the value of a library’s presence, as well as the role of the health sciences librarian in medical research and scholarly communication. This academic medical library was reported to be first and most often used, in comparison with other resources or none, in preparation for publication and presenting. The results of this and similar studies can contribute to the generalizability of its findings relating to the value of medical libraries. In addition, PubMed, UpToDate, and Google were the resources used most often by respondents, along with search engines and library links in databases. These findings can be incorporated into future outreach, marketing, and instructional curriculum for this library’s users. The survey results also provide additional support for the library’s role in the academic research lifecycle, and free-text comments about the critical role of library services furthered those findings. The authors state that further research is necessary for improving awareness of library resources and services in the role of scholarship at institutions.

scholarly journals Without Library Resources and Services, the Scholarly Activity of Medical Faculty and Residents Would Register a Code Blue

2017 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 122
Author(s):  
Kathleen Reed
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
The United States ◽  
Medical Faculty ◽  
Scholarly Activity ◽  
Library Services ◽  
Free Text ◽  
Publish Or Perish ◽  
First Choice ◽  
Library Resources ◽  
The Impact

A Review of: Quesenberry, A. C., Oelschlegel, S., Earl, M., Leonard, K., & Vaughn, C. J. (2016). The impact of library resources and services on the scholarly activity of medical faculty and residents. Medical Reference Services Quarterly, 35(3), 259-265. http://dx.doi:org/10.1080/02763869.2016.1189778 Abstract Objective – This study aimed to determine the use of three library services – literature search service, article delivery service, and library resources – among medical faculty and residents with regard to scholarly activity. Design – Survey. Setting – Medical Library and Health Information Centre at a large university in the United States of America. Subjects – 65 medical faculty and residents. Methods – The authors sent out 433 invitations to participate in a 23-question survey via an email distribution list. A total of 65 individuals participated, for a response rate of 15%. Questions related to the use of library services for scholarly activity, patterns of information-seeking behaviour, and instructional needs. Comments were allowed on several questions, and a final open-ended question was included. Main Results – All respondents used PubMed at least a few times a year, with 71% selecting it as their first choice to search for articles. Only 20% prioritized Google or Google Scholar above PubMed as the first place to begin a search. The most popular reasons for using library resources were “lectures, papers, research, and patient care” (p.262). The first three of these activities are types of scholarly activity. Of the 65 respondents, 46% published article(s) or book chapter(s). Within this group of authors, 67% of residents undertaking scholarly activity requested a literature review, 100% accessed online material themselves, and 67% requested articles. Faculty placed similar importance on these services, with 71% having requested a literature review, 87% having accessed materials themselves, and 75% having requested articles. Among those respondents who presented posters or papers, there was high use of library services, ranging from 59% of faculty requesting a literature review to 98% of faculty accessing online material themselves. Conclusion – The library is a key resource for faculty and residents undertaking scholarly activity. However, faculty members use the library’s services and resources for publishing articles and book chapters more than residents do. This may be because of “publish or perish” pressure, or because faculty have less time to locate research by themselves. Surveys are useful to ensure the library’s resources and services align with the needs of the user community. Inclusion of free-text comment boxes in the survey allowed users to put a “personal face” (p. 264) to their comments that would have otherwise not been captured.

scholarly journals Information Literacy and Retention: A Case Study of the Value of the Library

2016 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Amy Jo Catalano ◽  
Sharon Rose Phillips
Keyword(s):  
Academic Success ◽  
Student Success ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Information Literacy ◽  
Academic Career ◽  
Outcome Data ◽  
Research Papers ◽  
Writing Research ◽  
Library Resources ◽  
The Impact

Objective - The authors investigated the impact of library instruction on information literacy (IL) skills as part of ACRL’s AiA initiative. Additionally, the researchers sought to determine whether there was a relationship between IL tests scores and research experiences with student success outcomes such as retention. Methods - The researchers administered a standardized IL test to 455 graduate and undergraduate students in multiple disciplines. They then collected outcome data on GPA, retention, and graduation three years later. Results - While there were no significant differences between those students who had instruction and those who did not on the IL test, a regression analysis revealed that experience writing research papers that required library resources and an individual’s use of library books throughout their academic career demonstrated significant, positive relationships with whether a student passed the information literacy test. Additionally, using the longitudinal data on GPA, retention, graduation, and employment, the researchers found that students’ IL scores were significantly correlated with their GPAs, and that students who passed the IL test were more likely to be retained or graduate within six years. Conclusion - The ability to demonstrate IL skills appears to contribute to retention and graduation and, therefore, may be an integral part of one’s academic success. Further, experience writing research papers and other meaningful assignments contributes to student success.

scholarly journals Course-Integrated Learning Outcomes for Library Database Searching: Three Assessment Points on the Path of Evidence

2010 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 64 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dianne Cmor ◽  
Alison Chan ◽  
Teresa Kong
Keyword(s):  
Learning Outcomes ◽  
Participant Observation ◽  
Research Strategy ◽  
First Year ◽  
Database Searching ◽  
Final Project ◽  
Simulated Environment ◽  
Library Resources ◽  
Multiple Assessment ◽  
The Impact

Objective - This study aims to assess student learning with respect to basic database searching at three different points within a required first year course. Methods - Three methods were employed at three different points to identify evidence of successful learning: 1. Analysis of in-class exercises from the initial library workshop, e.g. how many students showed evidence of satisfactorily achieving the stated learning outcomes. 2. Participant observation of student presentations, noting themes, strengths and weaknesses of student research strategy; written observation reports from librarians were coded and quantified to identify major themes. 3. Interviews with course instructors responsible for grading the final submitted projects, focusing on both student achievement and instructor perceptions of the impact of library involvement. Results - Though performance on in-class exercises showed evidence of successful learning in over 70% of students, observational data indicated that very few students showed evidence of applying new knowledge and new search skills to their own topics two weeks later. Instructor interviews revealed a perception of similar difficulties in final project submissions, and instructors suggested that students did not appreciate the need for library resources. Conclusion - In this study, students showed evidence of learning in a simulated environment, but were unable or unwilling to demonstrate this learning in authentic situations. Multiple assessment methods reveal a lack of student ability to apply search skills.

scholarly journals Students Who Used the Library in Their First Year of University are More Likely to Graduate or Still be Enrolled After Four Years

2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 108-110
Author(s):  
Judith Logan
Keyword(s):  
Treatment Group ◽  
Academic Outcomes ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
First Year ◽  
Regression Analyses ◽  
Electronic Resource ◽  
Reference Services ◽  
Library Resources ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Continued Enrollment

A Review of: Soria, K. M., Fransen, J., & Nackerud, S. (2017). The impact of academic library resources on undergraduates’ degree completion. College & Research Libraries, 78(6), 812–823. https://doi.org/10.5860/crl.78.6.812 Abstract Objective – The researchers sought to measure the effect of accessing library resources on academic retention and graduation after four years while accounting for external factors that may influence academic outcomes. Design – Quasi-experimental observational study. Setting – A large public university in the Midwestern United States of America. Subjects – 5,368 first-year, non-transfer undergraduates; an entire freshman class. Methods – Using already collected student and library records data, the researchers grouped the population into those that had accessed one of five library resources at least once (treatment) and those who had not (control). The five treatment variables studied were circulation use, electronic resource or website access, library computer workstation logins, enrollment in open registration or course-embedded library instruction, and use of two reference services (online chat and peer research consultations). The researchers then performed a series of propensity score matching and regression analyses to compare the treatment and control groups’ outcome measures—graduation or continued enrollment after four years. These statistical models controlled for ten covariate measures that included SAT scores, first generation status, on campus residency, college of enrollment (e.g., business, engineering, education, biological sciences, design, or food, agriculture, and natural sciences), and demographic profiles. The regressions included subset analyses of the treatment group to determine if some treatment variables were associated with better outcomes than others. Main Results – The researchers found that students in the treatment group (n = 4,415) were 1.441 times more likely to graduate and 1.389 times more likely to still be enrolled after four years than those in the control group (n = 953). Both results were statistically significant at p < 0.01 and p < 0.001 respectively. The subset regression analyses revealed that accessing an electronic resource at least once was associated with the best graduation odds at 1.924 times (p < 0.001) and the best continued enrollment odds at 1.450 times (p < 0.001). Students who had accessed computer workstations and either of the two reference services studied were no more likely to have graduated or still been enrolled after four years than those who had not (p < 0.001 and p < 0.05). Conclusion – Accessing library services during the first year of university is associated with improved academic outcomes after four years. More research is needed to accurately measure this impact for methodological reasons. Libraries should document contact with students as much as possible for later assessment.

scholarly journals A Snapshot of Early Adopters of E-journals: Challenges to the Library

2002 ◽  
Vol 63 (6) ◽  
pp. 515-526 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin J. Brennan ◽  
Julie M. Hurd ◽  
Deborah D. Blecic ◽  
Ann C. Weller
Keyword(s):  
Electronic Journals ◽  
Early Adopters ◽  
Research And Teaching ◽  
Library Resources ◽  
Usage Patterns ◽  
Changing Practices ◽  
Perceptions And Expectations ◽  
The University ◽  
Qualitative Exploration ◽  
The Impact

Studies documenting the usage patterns of electronic journals have compared print and e-journal characteristics, surveyed faculty for their perceptions and expectations, and analyzed the impact on library practices. This study, a qualitative exploration of a wide array of issues related to the research and teaching habits of early adopters of e-journals in a research setting, was conducted in the spring of 2001 with faculty in the basic and health sciences at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Open-ended questionnaires provided a framework to wide-ranging discussions of perceptions, expectations, and changing practices pertaining to e-journals and other electronic resources. The results were analyzed with a specific focus on shared behaviors and values, discipline-dependent variations, and changing research and teaching habits. Several challenges for library resources and services are identified and discussed.

scholarly journals School Libraries as Foundation for World Class Learning: Experiences of an Indian Librarian

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rashmi T. Kumbar
Keyword(s):  
Positive Impact ◽  
High Standard ◽  
School Libraries ◽  
Literacy Skills ◽  
Educational Institutions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Library Resources ◽  
World Class ◽  
Effective Use ◽  
The Impact

The combination of study of Information and knowledge leading to wisdom; intellectual expression and scholarly appreciation leading to culture is the very process of learning. When this study is considered of high standard throughout the world, it becomes World Class Learning. Schools are the educational institutions wherein children are guided and trained to be disciplined and enlightened individuals. This responsibility is the onus of educators and greatly influenced by the facilities provided at school. The role of educators is highly regarded and recognized but equally important is the impact of the facilities provided in the schools. The most distinct facility is the library or the resource centre. We as information professionals agree that “Libraries Change Lives” which is a universal truth, for the kind of reference resources and the scholarly works they contain. What is the outcome if the resources are highly valued, are in great condition, well organized, etc. but there are no takers for these resources or the users lack the skills to use the resources? Some of the reasons for this short coming may be due to the absence of proper initiatives, promotion of resources and the services by the librarians. This paper attempts at combining the librarianship skills and literacy skills, resulting in the emergence of practical techniques and to how to apply this knowledge for promotion of the resources available and the services offered. Some tried and tested successful strategies namely Structured Library Periods (SLP), Adopt a Book Project (ABP), Five Best Friends in the Library (D.E.A.T.Y.), Focus Group Discussions (FGD), Application of Multiple Intelligence (MI) Theory for the effective use of library resources by K-2 Students, Use of Open Access(OA) Resources in ZSE RC experimented at the author’s school are presented. These practices are simple, innovative and create a positive impact on the student. They also increase the library’s contribution in achieving the school mission and very easily adaptable by the school libraries or librarians of the developing countries. But there is always scope for refining and improving the strategies tried and tested, in the course of time to suite the ever changing landscape of information and technology and more importantly, to satisfy the ever demanding user and his needs.

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