Abstract
Introduction: Anticipating the information needs of undergraduate medical students can be challenging, especially within the context of distributed medical education at a satellite campus. The purpose of this study was to evaluate how first- and second-year medical students in the Dalhousie Medicine New Brunswick program are using their satellite campus' library services and if they would prefer to use their home institution's electronic collection as opposed to print collections from the satellite campus library. Methods: First- and second-year medical students were asked to complete a paper survey towards the end of their academic year, which focused on background information, study habits, access preferences and tendencies (print book vs. electronic), satisfaction with their physical library space and collection, as well as their likelihood of completing required course readings. Results: Although both groups actually used electronic books more than print, the first-year class stated a preference for print books. Overall students were satisfied with their physical library's services, but were less likely to borrow a book if it is on course reserve. Discussion and Conclusions: When providing library services to undergraduate medical students, it is important to note that their opinions and needs can evolve quickly and be unpredictable. Librarians should consider maintaining a print collection while transitioning to electronic, in keeping with the trends of academic health librarianship.
Highlights
Anticipating the information needs of undergraduate medical students can be challenging, especially within the context of distributed medical education at a satellite campus
In September 2010, the Dalhousie University Faculty of Medicine welcomed its first class to the Dalhousie Medicine New Brunswick (DMNB) satellite campus, located at the University of New Brunswick Saint John (UNBSJ)
Because of the distance between campuses, all efforts have been made to ensure that the Dalhousie Medicine campus in Halifax and the Saint John satellite campus remain comparable, and guaranteeing library services is no exception
Summary
Anticipating the information needs of undergraduate medical students can be challenging, especially within the context of distributed medical education at a satellite campus. The purpose of this study was to evaluate how first- and second-year medical students in the Dalhousie Medicine New Brunswick program are using their satellite campus’ library services and if they would prefer to use their home institution’s electronic collection as opposed to print collections from the satellite campus library. One librarian, who monitors the collection at the Halifax campus and ensures that the two are comparable, oversees the collection in Saint John Students access their electronic materials via the Dalhousie Libraries web site using WorldCat catalogue or Novanet (a consortium of Nova Scotia institutional libraries), but they retain access to all of the University of New Brunswick’s electronic and print items via WorldCat should they wish to use them. The librarians at both campuses recognize the value of electronic access, not all course materials are currently available in this format
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