Partnering to Analyze Selection of Resources by Medical Students for Case-Based Small Group Learning: A Collaboration between Librarians and Medical Educators

Abstract

Librarians and medical educators analyzed the quality of information resources used by first- and second-year medical students in their case-based small group learning summaries. Librarians provided instruction on using library resources and gave formal feedback to students about appropriate resources for basic science and clinical questions. The team found that students used a high number of clinical and basic science journal articles and textbooks with a number of factors influencing their resource choices. The study demonstrates numerous areas where librarians can play a key role in assisting students to find and assess information to answer clinical questions.

KEYWORDS:

• Case-based learning
• competency-based education
• embedded librarians
• information resources
• library instruction
• medical education
• small group learning

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Julie K. Gaines

Julie K. Gaines, MLIS ([email protected]) is Associate Professor and Head, Medical Partnership Campus Library, AU/UGA Medical Partnership, UGA Health Sciences Campus, 1425 Prince Avenue, Athens, GA 30602.

Lindsay Blake

Lindsay Blake, MLIS, AHIP ([email protected]) is Associate Professor and the Clinical Services Librarian, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 W. Markham Street, #586, Little Rock, AR 72205.

Gail Kouame

Gail Kouame, MLIS ([email protected]) is Associate Professor and Chair, Research and Education Services, Greenblatt Library, Augusta University, 1520 Laney-Walker Boulevard, Augusta, GA 30912.

Kathy J. Davies

Kathy J. Davies, MLS ([email protected]) is Associate Professor and Associate Director of Research, Greenblatt Library, Augusta University, 1520 Laney-Walker Boulevard, Augusta, GA 30912.

Darra Ballance

Darra Ballance, MLIS ([email protected]) is Assistant Professor and AHEC Librarian, Greenblatt Library, Augusta University, 1520 Laney-Walker Boulevard, Augusta, GA 30912.

V. Thomas Gaddy

V. Thomas Gaddy, PhD ([email protected]) is Associate Professor of Cellular Biology, AU/UGA Medical Partnership, UGA Health Sciences Campus, 1425 Prince Avenue, Athens, GA 30602.

Eve Gallman

Eve Gallman, PhD ([email protected]) is Associate Professor of Medical Neuroscience, AU/UGA Medical Partnership, UGA Health Sciences Campus, 1425 Prince Avenue, Athens, GA 30602.

Michael Russell

Michael Russell, PhD ([email protected]) is Associate Professor of Physiology, AU/UGA Medical Partnership, UGA Health Sciences Campus, 1425 Prince Avenue, Athens, GA 30602.

Elena Wood

Elena Wood, MD, PhD ([email protected]) is Assistant Professor of Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, 1120 15th Street, Augusta, GA 30912.