1. 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

2. 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.
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MLA 2001, Cunningham/Ohles/Viola

3. 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
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MLA 2001, Cunningham/Ohles/Viola

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

6. 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
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MLA 2001, Cunningham/Ohles/Viola

7. 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

8. 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
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MLA 2001, Cunningham/Ohles/Viola

9. MLA 2001, Cunningham/Ohles/Viola
What did we develop
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MLA 2001, Cunningham/Ohles/Viola

11. 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
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MLA 2001, Cunningham/Ohles/Viola

12. 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!
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MLA 2001, Cunningham/Ohles/Viola

13. 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
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MLA 2001, Cunningham/Ohles/Viola

14. 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
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MLA 2001, Cunningham/Ohles/Viola

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

16. 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
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MLA 2001, Cunningham/Ohles/Viola

17. 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
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MLA 2001, Cunningham/Ohles/Viola

18. 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)
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MLA 2001, Cunningham/Ohles/Viola

19. MLA 2001, Cunningham/Ohles/Viola
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MLA 2001, Cunningham/Ohles/Viola