Evaluating information skills training in health libraries: a systematic review

Brettle, A

Abstract

Introduction
: Systematic reviews have shown that there is limited evidence to
demonstrate that the information literacy training health librarians provide is
effective in improving clinicians’ information skills or has an impact on patient
care. Studies lack measures which demonstrate validity and reliability in
evaluating the impact of training.
Aim
: To determine what measures have been used; the extent to which they are
valid and reliable; to provide guidance for health librarians who wish to evaluate
the impact of their information skills training.
Methods
: Data sources: Systematic review methodology involved searching 7
databases, and personal files. Study selection: Studies were included if they were
about information skills training, used an objective measure to assess outcomes,
and occurred in a health setting.
Results
: Fifty-four studies were included in the review. Most outcome measures
used in the studies were not tested for the key criteria of validity and reliability.
Three tested for validity and reliability are described in more detail.
Conclusions
: Selecting an appropriate measure to evaluate the impact of training
is a key factor in carrying out any evaluation. This systematic review provides
guidance to health librarians by highlighting measures used in various circumstances,
and those that demonstrate validity and reliability.

Citation

Brettle, A. (2007). Evaluating information skills training in health libraries: a systematic review. Health Information and Libraries Journal, 24(Suppl), 18-37. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1471-1842.2007.00740.x

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Dec 1, 2007
• Deposit Date: Jan 4, 2011
• Journal: Health Information and Libraries Journal
• Print ISSN: 1471-1834
• Publisher: Wiley
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 24
• Issue: Suppl
• Pages: 18-37
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1471-1842.2007.00740.x
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1471-1842.2007.00740.x