LIS 5937 Medical and Consumer Health Information Sources

Syllabus

Fax: (863) 688-9829 Phone: (813) 974-6361

Course Description:

A practical introduction to a variety of printed and electronic sources used to locate information in medicine, consumer health, nursing, and allied health. Includes an introduction to traditional and innovative health science services offered by libraries. Intended for those interested in medical and consumer health information resources in medical, public or academic libraries where clients need health-related information.

Course Objectives:

Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to:

1. Identify and use a wide variety of medical information sources, including medical databases including those from the National Library of Medicine, the Internet, associations, vendors and colleagues.

2. Demonstrate an understanding of health professionals’ use of information sources in the field of medicine and the health sciences.

3. Discuss the important role of the National Library of Medicine, National Network of Libraries of Medicine, Medical Library Association, vendors and colleagues as sources of medical information.

4. Describe trends and issues relating to health science librarians.

The following book is on reserve at the USF Tampa Library and the FSU Goldstein Library

JoAnne Boorkman, Jeffrey Huber, Fred Roper. Introduction to Reference Sources in the Health Sciences, 4^th ed. Metuchen, NJ: Scarecrow Press and the Medical Library Association, 2003. ISBN 1-55570-481-6.

Dr. Dee provides an extensive “Medical Source List” of references that is used for online medical sources

Methodology

Students will be given a wide variety of medical and consumer health sources to explore and evaluate. . Discussion of the sources with assigned readings will be posted on the Web page. The class will discuss issues currently relevant to the retrieval of information in the health sciences Students will be assigned a practicing medical librarian who will serve as the source of an interview for a posted discussion.

Format

Web-based weekly assignments with discussions and face-to-face meetings comprise the class.

Course Requirements

Students are expected to prepare each week by completing assignments designed to complement class work and further instruct students. Participation in web discussion is an important aspect of the class. A penalty will be assessed on late work. Work is to be independent unless indicated as a group project.

Assignments are due on the dates indicated in the Calendar and Assignments.

Evaluation:

Numeric average Final grade

Superior work A+

94 and above A

90-93 A-

86-89 B+

83-86 B

80-82 B-

76-79 C+

70-75 C

There are no examinations. Papers and projects will be used for evaluation.

Policies

Attendance Policy

Students are expected to prepare for class and respond to the web discussion each week. Students have the responsibility of observing the class schedule and keeping up with all readings, lectures, assignments and discussions.

Incomplete Grade Policy

For this course, a final grade of incomplete (I) will be awarded only if no more than 20% of the student's work is incomplete, and only if the student is otherwise earning a passing grade.

Students are not permitted to use the contents of this course for any purpose than for this class. Class material may be shared with student colleagues taking this class. Class material may not be sold or used outside of the class without permission. The Medical Source List is the sole property of Dr. Dee.

Religious Preference Absence Policy

Students who anticipate the necessity of missing a class due date to observe a major religious observance please provide notice of the date(s) by the second week of class.