Beyond Databases: Collaboration to teach students how to write more effective literature reviews and theses Diana J. Cunningham, MLS, MPH Janet A. Ohles, MLS Deborah Viola, PhD

MLA 2001, Cunningham/Ohles/Viola Purpose To better prepare graduate students to effectively write a high quality thesis. Skills include: how to develop a topic, how to search, how to document, how to analyze the literature. 4/25/2019 MLA 2001, Cunningham/Ohles/Viola

MLA 2001, Cunningham/Ohles/Viola Two Approaches GSHS/HSMP Driven by Program Director/Faculty Three cohorts, 3 two-hour sessions Pre-test/post-test Web package covering complete process Follow-up GSBMS Driven by student association Two cohorts, 4 two-hour sessions Primarily lecture and demos Literature review Follow up 4/25/2019 MLA 2001, Cunningham/Ohles/Viola

The Before... 1:1 Advisor: student Little on skills or techniques Inefficient and time consuming 4/25/2019 MLA 2001, Cunningham/Ohles/Viola

MLA 2001, Cunningham/Ohles/Viola The After …GSHS/ HSMP Continuous process Pre-test/post-test Dynamic: role-playing/small groups Development two-part sessions: What about the topic Finding the evidence Tools to help 4/25/2019 MLA 2001, Cunningham/Ohles/Viola

Thesis Topic Worksheet 1. Descriptive Statement: In a few sentences state the purpose of your potential research topic. In your own words, consider: What makes it important? 2. Analysis of topic: Decompose your topic into manageable research elements. List these in outline form. 3. Methods (Note: Forms part of methodology) Sources of information (path, terms, databases) Selection criteria for references Methodology

MLA 2001, Cunningham/Ohles/Viola The After …GSBMS Sessions developed from requests by students Subsequent, growing support from dean Increased student awareness of need for consistent formats and deadlines Ad hoc faculty team appointed to review/re-design process 4/25/2019 MLA 2001, Cunningham/Ohles/Viola

MLA 2001, Cunningham/Ohles/Viola What did we develop http://library.nymc.edu/informatics.htm 4/25/2019 MLA 2001, Cunningham/Ohles/Viola

MLA 2001, Cunningham/Ohles/Viola What did we develop... Smart start… E-access to Thesis guide (pdf and html) Web evaluation criteria APA examples High-points from sessions Re-cataloged print theses collections Created loose-leafs by school and program 4/25/2019 MLA 2001, Cunningham/Ohles/Viola

MLA 2001, Cunningham/Ohles/Viola What did staff learn... To develop and maintain databases of active web-sites In-depth knowledge of theses, formats and documentation Power of collaboration with faculty and students Importance of patience and long time lines! 4/25/2019 MLA 2001, Cunningham/Ohles/Viola

MLA 2001, Cunningham/Ohles/Viola What did faculty learn... Power of collaboration with library staff Library faculty can provide essential skills, knowledge and mechanics Explicit standards and time lines can help to improve quality of theses Students want and need more assistance How to save time 4/25/2019 MLA 2001, Cunningham/Ohles/Viola

How well prepared do you feel to: Search the literature on an in-depth or thesis/research topic Assess quality of an article, database, or web site Document the results of what and where you found info Develop a logical process and outcome to select and focus a research topic 4/25/2019 MLA 2001, Cunningham/Ohles/Viola

MLA 2001, Cunningham/Ohles/Viola More... What one thing did you feel was most effective? What one thing would you recommend? 4/25/2019 MLA 2001, Cunningham/Ohles/Viola

Observations from Faculty More students have selected and researched an acceptable topic on the first pass Research within the literature reviews is more accurate and up-to-date Forms required for theses are complete APA style usage improved Advisors read fewer drafts 4/25/2019 MLA 2001, Cunningham/Ohles/Viola

MLA 2001, Cunningham/Ohles/Viola Final Outcomes: Pre-tests/post-tests effective for validation of knowledge and skills Cognitive abilities enhanced through guided sessions and especially role-playing Explicit expectations ensure improved results Clear and accessible resources and manuals improve final quality of theses Decrease in advisor time required 4/25/2019 MLA 2001, Cunningham/Ohles/Viola

MLA 2001, Cunningham/Ohles/Viola What’s Next... Graduate School of Health Sciences/Health Services Management and Policy (GSHS/HSMP) Graduate School of Basic Medical Sciences (GSBMS) 4/25/2019 MLA 2001, Cunningham/Ohles/Viola

MLA 2001, Cunningham/Ohles/Viola Http://library.nymc.edu 4/25/2019 MLA 2001, Cunningham/Ohles/Viola