Karl Kingsley|G.M.P. Galbraith|Matthew P. Herring|Eva Stowers|Tanis Stewart|Karla V. Kingsley
Why not just Google it? An assessment of information literacy skills in a biomedical science curriculum
University of Nevada, Las Vegas|University of Nevada, Las Vegas|University of Nevada, Las Vegas|University of Nevada, Las Vegas|University of Nevada, Las Vegas|University of New Mexico
issues higher education fundamental ability search evaluate synthesize information need develop information literacy process finding retrieving organizing evaluating everexpanding collection online information precipitated need training skillbased competencies higher education well medical dental educationthe current study evaluated information literacy skills firstyear dental students consisting two consecutive dental student cohorts n 160 assignment designed evaluate information literacy skills conducted addition survey student online search engine database preferences conducted identify significant associations subsequently intervention developed based upon results assessment survey address deficiencies information literacynearly half students n 70160 43 missed one question components required finding evidencebased citation analysis survey revealed significantly higher percentage students provided incorrect responses n 5370 757 reported using google preferred online search method p 001 contrast significantly higher percentage students reported using pubmed n 3945 867 able provide correct responses p 001 following onehour intervention health science librarian virtually students able find retrieve evidencebased materials subsequent courseworkthis study confirmed information literacy among student population lacking integration modules within curriculum help students filter establish quality online information critical component training new health care professionals furthermore incorporation modules early curriculum may significant value dental medical health care professional schools similar goals incorporating evidence base teaching learning activities