Learning medline information retrieval skills in a distance education context: student attitudes, achievement and learning styles

Abstract

Information problem-solving skills are defined by Eisenberg (1990) as the ability to identify an information need, identify possible sources, locate the information, synthesise and then evaluate its usefulness. These skills are essential for lifelong learning and effective use of information in an "information society" (Fox 1989). Information literacy skills have been identified by a number of authors (Association of American Medical Colleges, 1984; Rosenberg et al, 1998) as a requirement for undergraduate training for health professionals. Medline is an electronic index that identifies a substantial portion of the biomedical scientific knowledge base. Health professionals need to be able to make effective use of Medline to identify studies that provide evidence of new treatment options and effective care. According to Barry (1997), librarians have identified a need to teach users information retrieval skills, to enable effective use of electronic sources of information.