Teaching information literacy skills to medical students: perceptions of health sciences librarians

Abstract

Background This paper is the second part of a two phase, sequential mixed method study. Objectives To get the views of medical librarians in Pakistan regarding information literacy (IL) skills of medical students and how to teach them IL skills. Methods Structured interviews were conducted with 20 medical librarians in Pakistan. We audio recorded, transcribed all the interviews and performed content analysis and coding of the textual data. We presented the emerging themes with the frequency of their appearance. Results Interviewees agreed that the IL skills of their students were inadequate. Participants suggested that librarians should train students through mandatory IL instruction programmes, designed in coordination with medical faculty. However, workshops/seminars were considered the most effective IL delivery methods for medical faculty and clinicians. The majority of respondents supported the integration of IL instruction into the curriculum as an independent and credit course. Discussion Teaching IL skills to medical students requires proper planning. Therefore, librarians have to prove their place within the curricular structure of the institution and develop understanding of the pedagogy of instruction. Conclusion Librarians must collaborate with faculty to train students in advanced information skills. There is a need to integrate IL instruction into the curriculum at all levels.

Assessment of information literacy skills and information-seeking behavior of medical students in the age of technology: a study of Pakistan

“…Ahmad et al (2019) to analyze data for finding the value among the complex relationship. The result of the former research shows that “the developed and developing countries should stressed on the significance of the association among college management, medical faculty and librarian” (Ullah and Ameen, 2019).…”

“…Ullah and Ameen (2019) stated that mostly student have no sufficient information technology skill due to traditional education policy in medical college in Islamabad, Pakistan. Students want advanced modern technologies for searching information.…”

“…This study proposed a model on the basis of eight factors in which most of them are taken from (Rafi et al , 2019; Ullah and Ameen, 2019) to assess the relationship among factors of ILSs and ISB in the age of technology; management cooperation, technological development, training content, IL capability, online information barriers, HEC databases, student skill enhancement and resource utilization (Figure 1).…”

“…The analysis of study 40.8% students goes daily for study/information in a library and other way the purpose of information seeking the students use library for entertainment which is highest mean (μ−3.40). Ullah and Ameen (2019) stated that association of faculty and librarian needs to develop the modern way of technology literation and digital skills to improve the student research communities. Management and librarian of the medical colleges to hold and awareness of updating technological development knowledge training about HEC database, Information literacy and also improve uses of library materials for students.…”

An open invitation to join HILJ [Journal] Club

“…Interviews are also the research method of choice for Ullah and Ameen () investigation of health sciences librarians’ perceptions of teaching information literacy skills to medical students. Based in Pakistan the 20 participants advocate the integration of information literacy into the curriculum with workshops and seminars the preferred training format.…”