Sample interview questions: How would you handle a situation where a patron requests assistance with conducting a literature search on healthcare quality improvement?
Sample answer:
As a Medical Librarian, I would handle a situation where a patron requests assistance with conducting a literature search on healthcare quality improvement by following these steps:
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Establishing a rapport: I would first greet the patron warmly, introduce myself as a Medical Librarian, and ask them to provide more details about their specific information needs regarding healthcare quality improvement. This will help me understand their research goals and tailor my assistance accordingly.
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Clarifying the scope: I would inquire about the specific aspect of healthcare quality improvement the patron is interested in, such as a particular intervention, population, or outcome measure. This will help me narrow down the search and identify relevant resources more efficiently.
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Assessing available resources: I would then evaluate the patron’s access to different databases, journals, or institutional subscriptions. Depending on their affiliations or memberships, I could guide them to utilize resources like PubMed, Web of Science, or specific healthcare quality improvement databases like the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) or the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI).
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Developing a search strategy: Based on the patron’s research goals and available resources, I would collaborate with them to create an effective search strategy. This includes identifying appropriate keywords, subject headings, and Boolean operators to construct a comprehensive search query.
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Providing guidance on database search: I would guide the patron on how to navigate the selected databases effectively. This may involve demonstrating advanced search techniques like truncation, phrase searching, or using filters to refine the search results. I would also emphasize the importance of reviewing search syntax and using appropriate MeSH terms where applicable.
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Evaluating search results: Once the search is executed, I would explain the importance of critically evaluating the search results. This includes assessing the relevance, credibility, and currency of the articles retrieved. I would provide guidance on identifying peer-reviewed journals, reputable authors, and research methodologies to ensure the patron selects high-quality sources.
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Assisting with full-text access: If the patron encounters paywalls or lacks access to full-text articles, I would help them explore alternative options. This may involve utilizing interlibrary loan services, suggesting open-access journals, or contacting the patron’s institution for access assistance.
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Offering citation management support: I would recommend tools like EndNote, Zotero, or Mendeley to help the patron organize and cite their sources… Read full answer
Source: https://hireabo.com/job/18_0_9/Medical%20Librarian