The University of Iowa's Hardin Library for the Health Sciences is a comprehensive resource center that supports the academic, research, and clinical endeavors of the health sciences community. With a vast collection of print and electronic materials, the library serves as a central hub for students, faculty, and staff seeking to advance their knowledge and skills in the health sciences. In this article, we will explore five ways the Hardin Library supports the university's health sciences programs, highlighting its role in fostering academic excellence, innovative research, and exceptional patient care.
Access to Extensive Information Resources
The Hardin Library provides access to an extensive array of information resources, including journals, books, databases, and online tutorials. With a strong focus on evidence-based practice, the library’s collections are carefully curated to support the information needs of health sciences students and professionals. The library’s website offers a user-friendly interface for searching and accessing these resources, allowing users to efficiently locate relevant information to inform their studies, research, or clinical practice. For instance, the library’s subscription to databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science enables users to search and retrieve scholarly articles, conference proceedings, and other publications that are essential for staying current with the latest developments in the health sciences.
Support for Research and Scholarship
The Hardin Library plays a vital role in supporting research and scholarship in the health sciences, providing expertise and resources to facilitate the research process. Librarians with specialized knowledge in the health sciences are available to assist with literature searches, database selection, and study design, ensuring that researchers have access to the most relevant and reliable information. Additionally, the library offers resources and services such as citation management tools, research guides, and workshops on topics like systematic reviews and grant writing, all of which are designed to enhance the quality and impact of health sciences research. By providing these resources and services, the library helps to foster a culture of innovation and discovery, ultimately contributing to the advancement of healthcare and the improvement of patient outcomes.
| Resource | Description |
|---|---|
| Systematic Review Service | Librarian assistance with systematic review searches, screening, and documentation |
| Grant Writing Support | Workshops, consultations, and resources to support grant writing and funding applications |
| Research Guides | Subject-specific guides to relevant databases, journals, and other information resources |
Instructional Support and Education
The Hardin Library offers a range of instructional programs and services designed to support the educational needs of health sciences students. Librarians collaborate with faculty to develop and teach information literacy classes, which cover topics such as database searching, evidence-based practice, and research design. Additionally, the library provides individualized instruction and consultation services, allowing students to receive personalized support with their research and academic projects. By emphasizing the development of information literacy skills, the library helps to ensure that health sciences students are well-equipped to navigate the complex information landscape, critically evaluate evidence, and apply knowledge in practice.
Support for Clinical Practice and Patient Care
The Hardin Library also plays a critical role in supporting clinical practice and patient care, providing resources and services that help healthcare professionals stay current with the latest developments in their fields. The library’s collections include a range of clinical decision support tools, such as UpToDate and ClinicalKey, which offer evidence-based guidance on diagnosis, treatment, and patient management. Additionally, the library provides access to point-of-care resources, such as PubMed’s Clinical Queries, which enable healthcare professionals to quickly locate relevant information to inform their clinical decisions. By providing these resources and services, the library helps to support the delivery of high-quality patient care, ultimately contributing to improved health outcomes and patient satisfaction.
Key Points
- The Hardin Library provides access to extensive information resources, including journals, books, databases, and online tutorials
- The library offers support for research and scholarship, including expertise and resources for literature searches, database selection, and study design
- The library provides instructional support and education, including information literacy classes and individualized instruction and consultation services
- The library supports clinical practice and patient care, providing resources and services such as clinical decision support tools and point-of-care resources
- The library's resources and services are designed to foster academic excellence, innovative research, and exceptional patient care, ultimately contributing to the advancement of healthcare and the improvement of patient outcomes
Community Engagement and Outreach
The Hardin Library is committed to community engagement and outreach, recognizing the importance of building partnerships and collaborations to support the health sciences community. The library participates in various events and initiatives, such as health fairs, research symposia, and educational workshops, which help to promote awareness of library resources and services. Additionally, the library collaborates with other university departments and community organizations to develop and implement outreach programs, such as health literacy initiatives and consumer health information services. By engaging with the community and fostering partnerships, the library helps to promote health sciences education, research, and practice, ultimately contributing to the well-being of individuals and communities.
What types of resources and services does the Hardin Library offer to support health sciences research?
+The Hardin Library offers a range of resources and services to support health sciences research, including literature search assistance, database selection, study design support, and citation management tools. The library also provides access to systematic review services, grant writing support, and research guides, all of which are designed to facilitate the research process and enhance the quality and impact of research endeavors.
How can I get help with finding information for my health sciences project or research paper?
+You can get help with finding information for your health sciences project or research paper by contacting the Hardin Library’s reference desk or scheduling a consultation with a librarian. The library’s website also offers a range of resources and guides to support information literacy and research skills, including tutorials, research guides, and citation management tools.
What types of instructional programs and services does the Hardin Library offer to support health sciences education?
+The Hardin Library offers a range of instructional programs and services to support health sciences education, including information literacy classes, individualized instruction and consultation services, and workshops on topics such as evidence-based practice and research design. The library also collaborates with faculty to develop and teach curriculum-integrated information literacy classes, which cover topics such as database searching, critical appraisal, and research ethics.
