Lectures on Health Topics Winter 2016

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UA’s College of Community Health Sciences is hosting a lecture series to explore medicine and health trends. Faculty will lecture on issues and advances in medicine and research, incorporating science, research, and clinical applications, with questions answered after the lectures. Attendees will learn ways the body works, hear about advances changing how we see disease and health; and find out which way cutting-edge research is headed. These events are free and open to the public and will be held at the Bryant Conference Center. All courses will be held at noon on each day.

Jan 14: Dr. Richard Streiffer          
Choosing Wisely: Picking the Best Medical Care

Jan 21: Dr. Joe Fritz 
The Beat Goes On: Atrial Fibrillation

Jan 28: Dr. Alan Blum
I Don’t Inhale: Cigs, e-Cigs, and Marijuana

Feb 4: Dr. Jane Weida
Family Medicine Cares: Helping Haiti Heal

Feb 11: Dr. Jimmy Robinson
Preventing Athletic Injuries in the Elderly

Feb 18: Dr. Anne Halli-Tierney
Delirium: I’ve Lost My Mind

Feb 25: Dr. Jason Clemons
Diabetes: Managing Your Sugar

Mar 3: Dr. Tom Weida
To Be or Not to Be: Health Care Reform

Ways to Achieve Success at the Library

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There are many things to consider for getting the best results when using Rodgers Library.  Here are a few:

1.  Get to know library staff
2.  Consult the UA Libraries’ Web pages
3.  Renew books to extend loan periods or return them when due
4.  Ask library staff about resources and services offered by the libraries
5.  Visit the UA libraries often (Gorgas, Bruno, McLure, Rodgers, Hoole)
6.  Consult library-prepared research guides for chemistry, nursing, and other subjects
7.  Identify the most important databases in your field
8.  Use Interlibrary loan (ILL) to get books and articles not found in local collections
9.  Use citation management tools – Refworks/Endnotes
10.  Understand locations (Annex, Rodgers, Gorgas) for print books and journals
11.  Learn how to access electronic books and journals
12.  Use free scanners / scan & deliver
13.  Login and use academic software
14.  Collaborate with others in Group Study Rooms

Rodgers Library for Science and Engineering

Effective Literature Searching

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Before you can make a successful search, analyze your topic.  Decide:

What are the main concepts?

What are the primary keywords related to each concept?

What alternative keywords or synonyms represent each of these concepts?

Normally, this will involve doing some reading about the topic in a source such as a review article or a textbook. If a review article or textbook is not helpful, a quick online search, may help you develop an initial understanding of the topic. The steps outlined below take you through these initial points and the subsequent steps of a literature search:

Literature Searching Tips:

  1. Select and identify your topic. What is the topic of your research?

Example: Grassland management and butterflies. What aspect of this topic are you particularly interested in? Example: Grassland management and butterfly diversity.

State your topic as a question: Does the way in which grassland are managed have an impact on butterfly diversity?

  1. Find Background Information: Once you have identified the key terms or subjects for your topic, look for them in a textbook, general or subject encyclopedia, or subject glossary.
  2. Deciding which databases to use. The most effective way to search journal articles on a topic is to use a database such as PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, Google Scholar or Scopus.
  3. Develop a search strategy. Develop an initial list of keywords that can be used to research your topic. Search the Scout Catalog and other databases using those keywords. Revise your keywords as needed to broaden or narrow the search. Use Boolean operators (AND, OR and NOT). Boolean operators allow you to combine your search terms in many different combinations. Databases often contain buttons or drop-down menus that allow you to select for Boolean operators.
  4. Refine your search: If your initial search brought up few results try these tips: Try alternative less specific keywords; check spelling, Use OR to include synonyms, and include more database coverage. If you have too many results try: more specific keywords. Use AND to include additional keywords, and use NOT to exclude certain words.
  5. Saving your Search: The databases may have the option to create a personal account that allows you to save a copy of your search. This is strongly recommended. Always save or print the useful articles that you find. In many databases you can export your articles to reference management software such as EndNote.
  6. Managing your information: EndNote helps you to store and manage your references. EndNote is also built into the Microsoft Word. One can automatically insert citations and create a bibliography using this feature. The University of Alabama maintains a site license agreement for EndNote, which provides unlimited licensing for faculty, staff, and students. http://oit.ua.edu/oit/services/software-licensing/endnote/

In summary here are the 5 key tips for effective literature searches:

  1. Make a start with Scout from UA libraries. http://www.lib.ua.edu/#/home  At Scout you can search the library’s collection in print and online, from manuscripts to books to individual and journal articles.
  2. Follow the Literature searching tips as described above.
  3. See resources for your subject areas. These resources are tailored library guides for each discipline to help you find the key databases and information sources that are relevant to your research area.  http://guides.lib.ua.edu/
  4. Get the full text of an article through many of our databases. http://www.lib.ua.edu/#/databases?page=1
  5. Use the Inter-library Loan services if the University of Alabama Libraries do not have any item you need.  https://ua.illiad.oclc.org/illiad/

Created by Arian Abdulla

Evidence Based Medical Literature Search in Databases

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Using PICO (T) as a guide to find medical literature in databases in Nursing and Allied Health Professions

What is PICO (T)? 

PICO (T) is an instrument used in medical and health research to help researchers formulate a question to get evidence based results.

Using PICO (T) format as a tool where applicable can help to base question to begin the literature search.

 

P = Patient, Population, and/or Problem

I = Intervention

C = Comparison

O = Outcome

T = Type of Study or concept of time

 

 

  • Plan a search strategy by identifying major elements of the question to subject terms such as MeSH, Keywords
  • After viewing the initial search results, one can narrow the search for the Comparison, Outcome, Time factors or Type of study

Example:  Does sleep hygiene among healthcare workers increase productivity at work?

 

Frame the question to include PICO (T) elements

 

Frame Natural Language
P (Problem or Patient or Population) Sleep deprivation, healthcare workers
I (intervention) Sleep, rest
C (comparison) Long shift, Not sleeping, stress
O (outcome) productivity

 

 

Key terms in the question  Database Terms –  MeSH*/ Keywords
 P (Problem/Patient/Population)  = Sleep deprivation, healthcare workers Sleep deprivation, insufficient sleep, Health personnel [MeSH]

sleep deprivation [CINAHL]
 I (intervention/indicator)= Sleeping 8 hours,

rest

 

 Sleep hygiene [MeSH]

Sleep hygiene [CINAHL]
 C (comparison)  Standards, Education [ MeSH, CINAHL]
 O (outcome)  Efficiency [ MeSH, CINAHL]

*Medical Subject Heading in PubMed/Medline

 

Useful Links for PICO/Evidence Based searches:

 

http://pubmedhh.nlm.nih.gov/nlmd/pico/piconew.php

http://learntech.physiol.ox.ac.uk/cochrane_tutorial/cochlibd0e84.php

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2127107/pdf/9251552.pdf

Post submitted by Mangala Krishnamurthy

Highlight of 2015

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Great fun was had by all at Rodgers Library’s 25th anniversary celebration in October.  Professor Alan Lane entertained our guests.  Thanks, Alan.

 

 

Photo By Layton Dudley

Alan Lane, a chemical engineering professor, becomes Doobie “Doghouse” Wilson, when he plays his blues and folk music in clubs around the area. CW | Layton Dudley

Rodgers Library Workshops Set for Spring 2016

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Date Time Workshop Instructor
Jan 28 2:00 PM Creating Scientific Graphs in QtiPlot and Basic Graphic Skills for Scientists and Engineers Vincent F. Scalfani
Feb 2 3:00 PM Effective Scientific Presentations Arian Abdulla
Feb 11 2:00 PM Introduction to Adobe Muse Website Design Vincent F. Scalfani
Feb 16 3:00PM Managing your References with EndNote Arian Abdulla
Feb 18 2:00 PM Introduction to Matlab Vincent F. Scalfani
Feb 23 3:00PM PubMed Search Arian Abdulla
Feb 25 2:00 PM 3D Design in Google SketchUp Vincent F. Scalfani
Mar 1 3:00PM Science and Engineering Online Presence Arian Abdulla
Mar 3 2:00 PM Introduction to Matlab Vincent F. Scalfani
Mar 22 3:00PM CVs vs Resumes Arian Abdulla
Mar 24 2:00 PM Chemical Information Resources Vincent F. Scalfani
Mar 29 3:00 PM Working with Google Docs Arian Abdulla
Mar 31 2:00 PM Endnote Reference Management Software Vincent F. Scalfani
Apr 5 3:00PM Web of Science Primary Literature Search Arian Abdulla
Apr 7 2:00 PM Locating and Discovering Science and Engineering Patents Vincent F. Scalfani
Apr 10 3:00PM MathSciNet Arian Abdulla
Apr 19 2:00 PM Searching for Chemical Property Data and Spectra Vincent F. Scalfani
Apr 21 2:00 PM Searching for Inorganic and Organometallic Substances in SciFinder and Reaxys Vincent F. Scalfani
Apr 26 3:00PM Creating Scientific Figures in Excel Arian Abdulla
Apr 28 2:00 PM Searching for Polymers in SciFinder and Reaxys Vincent F. Scalfani

 

Latest on Standards

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Standards are a basic tool of scientists and engineers. At Rodgers Library we use SAI Global to find and order individual standards. SAI Global covers standards from many standards organizations, such as ASME and SAE.  Our approach is to order most standards on demand.  However, since ASTM standards are in high demand, we recently subscribed to ASTM Compass.  In the case of SAI Global users can easily search the database, but the library takes care of the download piece.  ASTM Compass is handled differently.  It is delivered to desktops and users can search and download independently.

Chromebooks Here

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Rodgers Library is now circulating Dell Chromebooks. Chromebooks are laptops that run the Chrome operating system. Chromebooks boot quickly and automatically connect to the University’s wireless network. The Chrome browser loads, and apps such as Word and Powerpoint can be opened as tabs in the browser. Documents can be saved in the cloud or onto a flash drive. Users can sign into the Chromebooks with a guest account, myBama account, or personal Google account (e.g., an account at crimson.ua.edu or gmail.com). Come by Rodgers Library first floor Circulation Desk to check one out.

This post was originally posted by Karen Chapman on Bruno Library blog.

Meet your Science and Engineering Librarian

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Rodgers Library has a librarian assigned to each academic department in the Sciences and Engineering, as well as the Capstone College of Nursing. The Liaison librarian facilitates communication between the teaching faculty and the library, as well as helps students, faculty and instructors with research or library instruction needs.  Meet your Science and Engineering Librarian here: http://guides.lib.ua.edu/sciences

About Rodgers Library

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Rodgers Library is a world-class library.  Rich and diverse collections cover all the sciences, engineering, and nursing.  The library’s major goal is to connect students and faculty with state-of-the-art research done by the world’s leading scholars.   Using sophisticated databases and a broad range of electronic resources, delivered over the Internet, the library is ready to help beginners and sophisticated researchers.  Many users access the library’s resources by computer from remote locations on Campus and from home.  Others visit the library at its physical location near Shelby Hall, at the northeast corner of the Campus.  Enjoy Rodgers Library!

Tip 13: 3D Printing

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Tip 13:  3D Printing.  About three years ago we opened a 3D Printing Studio in Rodgers Library.  Services offered include: 3D printing, 3D scanning, training workshops, and do it yourself 3D printing.  Supporting 3D design and conversion software is installed on the workstations within the 3D Studio. The 3D printers are capable of creating a multitude of 3D plastic objects.

GO to Rodgers 3-D printing.

Go to College of Engineering 3-D printing.

Tip 12: Course Reserves

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Tip 12:  Course Reserves.    Many faculty use extra materials to enhance   instruction in the classroom.  In the library, we refer to these materials as course reserves.  Commonly faculty put books from the Rodgers Library collection or personal copies of books on reserve.  Other materials may be appropriate too.  If the content you want to use is in digital format it is probably more convenient to link digital content in your class syllabus or Blackboard Learn.  Learn more about how we handle course reserves.

Go to Course Reserves.

Tip 11: Library Polices

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Tip 11:  Library Polices.   Like any large organization the UA Libraries has a set of policies that govern library use.  Policies provide guidance and even answer specific questions.  A few examples:  For how long can faculty check out a book? How does the Library Annex operate?  How do I donate books to the library?  How does interlibrary loan service work?  What does the Code of Conduct say to users?  What is acceptable use of computing resources?

Go to Polices.

Tip 10 Libraries’ Catalog (also known as Classic Catalog)

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Tip 10  Libraries’ Catalog (also known as Classic Catalog). Before Scout came along, faculty consulted Classic Catalog to find books and journals in the UA Libraries.  Classic Catalog is still a useful tool.  In particular, Classic Catalog offers a convenient way to find out what journals are in the UA Libraries, both the archival print journals and the newer electronic journals. Note, Classic Catalog is not used to find specific articles.

Go to Classic Catalog.

Tip 9: Research Guides

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Tip 9:   Research Guides.  We have developed a series of simple and convenient guides to get faculty and students started when first using the library.  They’re called LibGuides.   Each guide is built to acquaint you with library resources which are available to support your work.  We have a guide for every major subject area:  geology, nursing, civil engineering, etc.   The guides cover ways to find books, list important databases, identify research tools, and point to key Internet resources.

Go to LibGuides.

Tip 8: Instruction

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Tip 8:  Instruction.  Rodgers Library likes to share information about its services and collections and further help users achieve information competencies.  We can prepare custom lectures or workshops focused on any topic of interest.  If you choose, a librarian can come to one of your departmental meetings or a class which you teach to do a presentation.  In addition, we often conduct instruction inside Rodgers Library on high-interest topics.  If you have a request, please contact us or submit a request using this form.

Go to Instruction Request.

Tip 7: Print Books & E-books

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Tip 7:  Print Books & E-books.  Rodgers Library has a substantial assortment of print books and e-books.  Since about 2010, we’ve acquired e-books only, unless a faculty member specifically requests a print edition of a particular title.   Our print books are on the 2nd floor of the library and for older and less used print titles in the Annex.   For 2015 we will get all Wiley and Springer e-books, as well as titles from other publishers, such as ACS.   Scout is an excellent tool for finding books. In Scout, execute a word search.  In step 2, under the heading “Refine Results,” in the left-hand column, choose Source Types and then limit search results to just “Books.”

Go to print and e-books search.

Tip 6: E-Journals and Print Journals.

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Tip 6:  E-Journals and Print Journals.  There are multiple pathways to finding journals at Rodgers Library.  For a quick search for a specific e-journal, our e-journals page does the job. Remember that some older journals are still in print format only.  To get complete results of Rodger Library journal holdings, both print journals and e-journals, do a look-up in Classic Catalog.

Go to Classic Catalog

Tip 5: Academic Software.

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Tip 5:  Academic Software.  Software plays a central role in learning and research.  As such Rodgers Library offers both productivity and special software loaded on desktop computers.  Examples include Adobe Creative Cloud, MATLAB, SAS, and Microsoft Project.

Go to academic software.