Teaching how to read and write science: a library - journal partnership

Conference presentation

• Author: Jelka Petrak
• Author's institution: University of Zagreb; School of Medicine; Central medical library
• Scientific / art field, discipline and subdiscipline: SOCIAL SCIENCES; Information and Communication Sciences; Library Science

Abstract (english)

Setting: Croatian Medical Journal (CMJ) is a general medical journal published in English and the only Croatian medical journal covered by the most selective bibliographic databases, such as SCI-Expanded and Current Contents. Central Medical Library (CML) is the most important Croatian medical library serving as a central point for biomedical information. Both are affiliated to the Croatia's largest and oldest medical school, the University of Zagreb School of Medicine. The CMJ started in 1992 and its Editorial Board asked CML for help in formulating exchange policy and bringing best editorial practice to the local setting. When CMJ introduced an «author-helpful» policy, CML helped to the authors in finding literature and organizing the references. CMJ also co-opted the Head-librarian to the Editorial Board. ----- Teaching how to read and write science: a library-journal partnership: Early in their work, CMJ Editorial Board learned that Croatian physicians had important and interesting data but inadequate skills for presenting them in a scientific article. To alleviate the lack of education in research methods and writing, a mandatory course in scientific methodology and communication was developed and introduced into the School’s curriculum. The course has been running since academic year 1995/96 focusing on (1) principles of scientific research; (2) finding medical information; (3) study design and presentation of data; (4) writing a scientific article. The course has three components: lectures, discussions in medium-sized groups and problem solving exercises in small groups. Three librarians are participating in the course, giving a core lecture and hands-on problem-solving exercises using PubMed. CMJ and CML started two continuing education courses in 2002 and 2004, respectively: Planning and Writing about Research in Medicine and Finding and Appraisal Medical Information. The courses are aimed at young academic physicians and general medicine practitioners. The courses have been highly rated by the Croatian Medical Chamber, which serves as a licensing body. Where to next? CMJ and CML developed three electives in evidence-based medicine (The importance of finding good evidence, Planning research and Research data analysis and writing research report ) which are to be introduced in the next academic year. Another collaborative effort – CMJ answers your clinical question – consists of developing a web service on the CMJ's web site to help Croatian physicians in transferring the evidence-based medicine principles into the clinical practice. A librarian will be responsible for searching and critical appraisal of evidence.

• Keywords (english): science writing; science journals; library
• Language: english
• Peer review: Peer review
• URN:NBN: urn:nbn:hr:105:105658
• Presentation date: 2006-04-26
• Conference: Title: Arbeitsgemeinschaft für medizinisches Bibliothekswesen (AGMB) e.V.; Location: Graz, Austria; Start date: 2005-09-26; End date: 2005-09-28; Assembly type: Lecture
• Document URL: https://www.egms.de/static/en/journals/mbi/2006-6/mbi000025.shtml
• Type of resource: Text
• Access conditions: Open access
• Created on: 2022-04-26 08:54:32