Library use by medical students: A comparison of two curricula

Abstract

This study explored 1) whether there were any differences in the way medical students used library resources under problem-based learning (PBL) and scenario-based learning (SBL) curricula; and 2) what improvements the library could make to facilitate its use by medical students using the different curricula. Twenty medical students selected from two different medical universities in different countries were interviewed in depth. The study found that a) PBL and SBL students used the library significantly differently; b) SBL students presented a wider range of demands and behaviors in seeking information; c) more PBL students preferred using solely electronic resources to solve PBL problems; and d) more SBL students preferred using textbooks in their study and to solve the problems. It is concluded that the characteristics of the two learning approaches affect the medical students in their uses of library resources. The library staff must interact differently with students depending on the curriculum they are following. The study suggests several directions (‘SHELTER’) to the library and recommends it to provide service targeting students’ needs after exploring the following three dimensions of the curriculum: students’ perceptions of the library’s collection related to the curriculum, course requirements for gathering information, and the librarian’s role in the curriculum. When new reforms are initiated it is necessary for the library to undertake a comprehensive review and to gain understanding of the curriculum at the outset.