Health Sciences Librarians' Research on Medical Students' Use of Information for Their Studies at The Medical School, University of Queensland, Australia

Abstract

This study reports the findings of research undertaken by health sciences librarians at the University of Queensland Library into how medical students use information for their studies, particularly resources and services provided by the Library. The methods utilized were an online survey and focus groups. Results indicated that students favor print resources over electronic, value accessing resources on a one-stop basis, and prefer training to be delivered flexibly. The implication of these results for future resource selection, service provision, and instructional design and delivery is discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• Information and communication technologies
• information resources
• information skills training
• information-seeking behavior
• Internet
• libraries
• literature searching
• medical students

Acknowledgments

The authors wish to thank Professor Peter Baker, Ms. Lucy Cartmel, Mr. Lars Eriksson, Mr. Warren Ham, Ms. Elizabeth Jordan, Dr. Maxine O'Brien, Ms. Jill McTaggart, Associate Professor Ray Peterson, Ms. Majella Pugh, Mr. Marcos Riba, Ms. Margaret Schindler, Mrs. Heather Todd, Ms. Tanya Trinh, Mr. Keith Webster, University of Queensland Medical Society, and Ms. Fei Yu.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Kaye E. Lasserre

Kaye Lasserre, BA, GradDipAppSc (Lib&InfoMgt) ([email protected]) is Liaison Librarian, Rural Clinical School Library, University of Queensland, Locked Bag 9009, Toowoomba DC 4350, Queensland, Australia.

Nicola Foxlee

Nicola Foxlee, BA, MLS ([email protected]) is Manager PACE Health Sciences Library and PAH/UQ Library, University of Queensland Library, PACE Precinct, 20 Cornwall St, Woolloongabba, Brisbane 4102, Queensland, Australia.

Lisa Kruesi

Lisa Kruesi, BSocSci, MBIT AALIA ([email protected]) is Associate Director, Research Information Service (Life Sciences & Clinical Outreach), University of Queensland Library, Herston Health Sciences Library, Block 6 Level 6, Royal Brisbane & Women's Hospital, Brisbane 4029, Queensland, Australia.

Julie Walters

Julie Walters, BScPhm, MAppSc (Lib&InfoMgt) ([email protected]) was Liaison Librarian, UQ/Mater McAuley Library, University of Queensland Library, Mater Health Services, South Brisbane 4101, Queensland, Australia.