Improving library services for graduate nurse students in New Zealand

Abstract

Background : Graduate students are expected to have basic information literacy skills. Knowing how to access and select relevant information and then utilize that information is a necessary skill in today's knowledge and information-age world. In the health-care sector, the rise in evidence-based medicine has brought into focus the importance of information literacy skills for nurses. In the case described, information literacy skills are embedded in the curriculum and strengthened in collaboration with library staff. Aims : To identify graduate student nurses' use of the library, and the library's response to findings. Methods : A case-study approach was used with both quantitative and qualitative data. An anonymous questionnaire was distributed to all nurses enrolled in graduate courses in the second semester of 2002. Interviews were then undertaken with library staff. Results : The university library services were not used by 43% of graduate nursing students and the library responded by developing a number of initiatives. Conclusions : Finding a deficit in use of the library by graduate nurses, this paper outlines the response by the library to improving awareness of services, access and providing education in a bid to improve literacy skills.