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MIG Scenario for MarchStudent Assignments A patron comes into the library and asks for help with a literature review. It occurs to you that they may be trying to masquerade a school project as a clinical question, in order to off-load the required research portion of their assignment to the library. What approach would you use for this student, and what advice would you give to anyone who hasn’t faced this type of scenario before? Questions? Feedback? Suggestions? Comments? Mentorship Interest Group convener Brooke Ballantyne Scott 604-520-4755
La vision de l’ABSC / CHLA consiste à favoriser et à soutenir le transfert des connaissances crédibles en sciences de la santé par le biais des technologies de pointe et du partenariat.
L’ABSC / CHLA a pour mission de guider les bibliothécaires et les spécialistes de l’information en santé vers l’excellence grâce au perfectionnement professionnel, au réseautage et à la représentation. 
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Health LibrarianshipCommentaires récents
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This happens to me all the
This happens to me all the time - our library user group is just staff, but students frequently have classes or rounds at the hospital and come into the library for "help". Honestly you can usually tell who's a student and who's staff - I normally let them make their request and then ask them, "I just want to be sure, are you a staff member?" They get a little embarrassed and admit that they're not, and then I gently let them know that our library services are reserved for staff of the hospital only, and that they can find help at their university/college library.
In previous positions, we have actually served students as part of our patron group and in that case I would have to explain that we cannot complete research for them, and that they need to try it out on their own because it's part of what they're supposed to be learning as part of the assignment. I would offer them help with using the database, or showing them how to access the literature, and usually that's enough to get them on their way!
My advice is to be kind but firm - offer them help with the "how" but be clear that that's as far as your help can go.
This is a great scenario. I
This is a great scenario. I agree with Morgan's answer. The best approach is to remind the patron that we are there to help them use the tools to complete their research for their assignments, not do it for them.
Most of the time, students are happy when I show them how databases work and give them enough tips that they can try them on their own. It is only in rare occasions, usually when they are pressed for time, that they will ask for more.
Thanks Morgan and Maria for
Thanks Morgan and Maria for your comments. I brought up this topic because it also happens all the time at the libraries in my health authority. Most of our confusion comes when a staff member decides to go back to school to bump up their education. They've been using our services for work purposes up until then, and many don't see a problem with requesting a lit search for an assignment rather than a clinical question. Most are quite understanding when we explain (as you both have) that doing the search is part of their education. And they're also very grateful when we'll sit down with them and coach them on database searching skills!