Health Information Use After Graduation

Are We Preparing Our Students for Professional Practice?

Authors

  • Betsy Williams
  • Barbara Harvey
  • Christopher Kierkus

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29173/istl20

Abstract

This study aimed to determine which information resources Grand Valley State University (GVSU) alumni from four health science programs utilize in clinical practice. It also explored alumni opinions of their educational experiences at GVSU in relation to information literacy and library resources. A survey was administered to alumni who had graduated with a degree in athletic training (BS), nursing (BS, MS, DNP), physical therapy (MPT and DPT), or physician assistant studies (MPAS). We received 451 valid responses (12.8% response rate). The survey focused on specific resources used in the professional workplace, GVSU preparation for information literacy in the workplace, alumni confidence in information literacy skills, and additional preparation that could have been helpful after graduation. Survey responses are reported by discipline and degree earned. Insights from this study will inform liaison librarian conversations with faculty members and decisions regarding resource acquisition to help students transition from the academic environment to professional practice.

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Author Biographies

Betsy Williams

Betsy Williams
MSLIS
williab2@gvsu.edu 616-331-7306, Health Professions Liaison Librarian, Grand Valley State University, Grand Rapids, MI

Barbara Harvey

Barbara Harvey, harveyb@gvsu.edu, 616-331-7335, Health Professions Liaison Librarian, Grand Valley State University, Grand Rapids, MI

Christopher Kierkus

Christopher Kierkus, kierkusc@gvsu.edu, 616-331-7132, Professor of Criminal Justice, Grand Valley State University, Grand Rapids, MI

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Published

2019-12-09

How to Cite

Williams, B., Harvey, B., & Kierkus, C. (2019). Health Information Use After Graduation: Are We Preparing Our Students for Professional Practice?. Issues in Science and Technology Librarianship, (93). https://doi.org/10.29173/istl20

Issue

Section

Refereed Articles
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