Library Support of Mobile Resources During Clinical Clerkships

Abstract

In response to frequent use of mobile devices among medical students, Dana Medical Library at the University of Vermont provided mobile resource support to medical students preparing for clerkships. The librarians offered group instruction, individual assistance, and an online subject guide. These activities were assessed through evaluations, web statistics, and a survey. Survey questions gathered data on access to mobile devices, use of library-licensed mobile resources, and benefits and barriers to use in the clinical setting. The majority of survey respondents believed access to mobile resources improved their clerkship experience and contributed to comparable educational experiences across clerkship sites. Researchers found that library support affected student perception of the value of mobile resources in the clerkship experience.

KEYWORDS:

• Academic health sciences libraries
• clerkships
• handhelds
• library instruction
• medical education
• medical students
• mobile devices

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Alice Stokes

Alice Stokes, MLIS ([email protected]) is Information Services Librarian

Jeanene Light

Jeanene Light, MLS ([email protected]) is Collection Development Librarian

Laura L. Haines

Laura L. Haines, MLS ([email protected]) is Information Services Librarian; all at Dana Medical Library, University of Vermont, 81 Colchester Avenue, Burlington, VT 05405.