Evolution of an Information Literacy Curriculum for Third-Year Medical Students

Abstract

Information literacy curriculum for third-year medical students at Northwestern University has evolved over several years under the guidance of librarians at the Galter Health Sciences Library. Starting as a series of rotation-specific information resource overviews, initial evaluation and feedback led to the curriculum being developed to include more focused and interactive clinical information sessions with a quiz-based assessment. Future enhancements will include web-based self-directed learning using online tutorials, additional search exercises that mimic the on-the-go clinical environment, and better assessment of the curriculum's impact on students' information literacy and clinical search skills.

KEYWORDS:

• Clinical clerkships
• evidence-based medicine
• information literacy
• library instruction
• online tutorials

Acknowledgments

This article is based on the poster presentation “Creating Connections: Information Literacy in the Clinical Curriculum,” presented at the Medical Library Association Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C., in May 2010.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Linda O'Dwyer

Linda O'Dwyer, MA, MSLIS ([email protected]) is Communications Coordinator and Education Librarian, Galter Health Sciences Library, Northwestern University, 303 E. Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611.

Stephanie C. Kerns

Stephanie C. Kerns, MLS ([email protected]) is Head, Education and Outreach/Curriculum Librarian, Galter Health Sciences Library, Northwestern University, 303 E. Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60611.