Clarification on The Librarian's Role in Helping with Student Research Assignments

By Michele Matucheski, MLS, AHIP and

Elissa Kinzelman-Vesely, MLIS, MA

Question : What is the Ascension Wisconsin Librarian’s role in helping with student research assignments?

Health Science Librarians are experts in :

·         Formulating answerable clinical questions

·         Knowing which literature databases to search

·         Constructing successful search strategies, and

·         Limiting search results to relevant literature topics. 

We’re here to assist nurses, physicians, and other health care providers with access to evidence-based  practice as it relates to patient care.  We know your time is short, and searching is what we do best. 

The Librarians will also take the time to teach nursing and health care students HOW to do their own library research; however, it is beyond our scope to actually complete research assignments for students.  Since it is part of your education to learn the research process, it would not be ethical, or honest for the Librarians to complete research assignments for school projects.  In short, we canno do your work for you, if it's for a school assignment.

Whether you are an RN, RN-to-BSN, MSN, or DNP student,  the Librarians can help you LEARN the research process.  That said, we are happy to teach you how to find the information for yourself.  We’ll actively play a role in your education so that you learn the skills you need to be an effective and continuous learner in your work life.

Here’s what you can expect from your Ascension Wisconsin Librarian when you bring us a student research assignment.  We will :

•  Set up a research consultation appointment in person or via Skype
• Lead you through the research process
• Help you refine your search strategy
• Introduce you to appropriate databases (PubMed or CINAHL), or other resources,
• Teach you how to use the databases effectively and efficiently with subject headings, appropriate search terms, filters & limits to arrive at a focuses set of search results,
•  Demonstrate how to access full-text articles
•  Show you how to request articles from your Librarian when not available in fulltext.

 Your Health Science Librarians have a great deal to offer students.  We enjoy teaching you how to do your own library research.  This is our job.  This is what we love.  

Most people who take the time to meet with a Librarian appreciate the personalized care and special attention.  Even better : They are amazed and delighted at what the Librarians can pull up on their particular topics, not to mention the search tips and tricks we can offer!

Research takes time, so plan ahead.  Make an appointment with your Librarian, and learn how to maximize your research efforts.  Even if you’re at a site without a library/librarian, we can Skype and share desktops to help you remotely. 

* For an appointment, contact Your Ascension Wisconsin Librarians : 

Michele Matucheski        Mary Pat Gage         Elissa Kinzelman-Vesely      Kellee Selden