Veidlapa Nr. M-3 (8)
Study Course Description
Information Literacy for the Development of Qualification Work
Course Code
B_027
Branch of Science
Clinical medicine
ECTS
3.00
Target Audience
Dentistry
LQF
Level 5
Study Type And Form
Full-Time
Study Course Implementer
Course Supervisor
Daiga Spila
Structure Unit Manager
Ināra Aploka
Structural Unit
Library
Contacts
Riga, 16 Dzirciema Street, biblioteka@rsu.lv
About Study Course
Objective
The aim of the study course is to provide the basis for the commencement of the development of qualification work by developing information literacy and digital skills necessary for the selection of the topic of qualification work, the search, selection, critical evaluation and systemisation of scientific literature, as well as for the management of references using specialised digital tools.
Preliminary Knowledge
Basic computer skills, knowledge of the English language at least B2 level, which ensures understanding of scientific literature.
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge
1.Explain the importance of information literacy in the process of developing qualification work.
Individual work and tests
1. independent work. Basic principles for searching for information. Working with keywords. • Prepared list of literature sources selected for research
2.Recognise, analyse and evaluate qualitative, reliable and scientifically based resources of medical and dental information by developing a list of qualification work literature.
Individual work and tests
Prepared list of literature sources selected for research • 9. independent work. Evaluation of the quality of a free-access resource. • 10. independent work. PubMed tasks. • test 1 with 10 multi-choice questions on databases and searching, selecting, evaluating and retrieving information. • test 2 with 10 multi-choice questions on databases and searching, selecting, evaluating and retrieving information. • 2. independent work. Searching for books in an electronic catalogue. • 3. independent work. Searching for publications in an electronic catalogue. • 4. independent work. Searching for books in e-book databases. • 5. independent work. Searching for publications in e-journal databases. • 7. independent work. Work with Primo’s “E-resources from A-Z” tool.
3.Demonstrate the principles for setting up effective information search strategies and criteria for evaluating critical information.
Individual work and tests
5. independent work. Searching for publications in e-journal databases. • 4. independent work. Searching for books in e-book databases. • 3. independent work. Searching for publications in an electronic catalogue. • 2. independent work. Searching for books in an electronic catalogue. • 1. independent work. Basic principles for searching for information. Working with keywords. • 6. independent work. Compare E-journal databases (EBSCO, ProQuest, ScienceDirect, Wiley Online Library) and populate the table. • 10. independent work. PubMed tasks. • 11 independent work. Testing of AI tools in scientific databases.
4.Describe the types of medical and dental information resources, including scientific databases, e-books and open access resources.
Individual work and tests
test 1 with 10 multi-choice questions on databases and searching, selecting, evaluating and retrieving information. • test 2 with 10 multi-choice questions on databases and searching, selecting, evaluating and retrieving information. • 4. independent work. Searching for books in e-book databases. • 5. independent work. Searching for publications in e-journal databases.
Skills
1.Select and formulate potential qualification work topics based on scientific literature analysis.
Individual work and tests
1. independent work. Basic principles for searching for information. Working with keywords. • 11 independent work. Testing of AI tools in scientific databases. • Prepared list of literature sources selected for research
2.Will use its information search strategy to work with medical and dental electronic resources, applying extended search capabilities and conducting in-depth searches of information in e-books, online databases.
Individual work and tests
9. independent work. Evaluation of the quality of a free-access resource. • 10. independent work. PubMed tasks. • 2. independent work. Searching for books in an electronic catalogue. • 3. independent work. Searching for publications in an electronic catalogue. • 6. independent work. Compare E-journal databases (EBSCO, ProQuest, ScienceDirect, Wiley Online Library) and populate the table. • 7. independent work. Work with Primo’s “E-resources from A-Z” tool. • 5. independent work. Searching for publications in e-journal databases. • 4. independent work. Searching for books in e-book databases.
3.Digital skills will manage the digital tools and technologies necessary for the structuring, systemisation and secure storage of data, information and digital content in the qualification work and research process.
Individual work and tests
5. independent work. Searching for publications in e-journal databases. • 7. independent work. Work with Primo’s “E-resources from A-Z” tool. • 3. independent work. Searching for publications in an electronic catalogue. • 2. independent work. Searching for books in an electronic catalogue. • 10. independent work. PubMed tasks. • 4. independent work. Searching for books in e-book databases.
4.Create and manage personal profiles in professional information resources, adapt your activities to copyright and licensing requirements, and use digital content correctly.
Individual work and tests
10. independent work. PubMed tasks. • 5. independent work. Searching for publications in e-journal databases. • 4. independent work. Searching for books in e-book databases.
5.Prepare accurate references and quotes according to the qualification job design requirements using the reference management tool EndNote.
Individual work and tests
8. independent work. Work with the referencing tool EndNote. • Prepared list of literature sources selected for research
Competences
1.A qualitative and evaluated search for information will be carried out independently and purposefully, applying the acquired theoretical and practical knowledge in the analysis and selection of medical and dental information resources.
Individual work and tests
10. independent work. PubMed tasks. • 5. independent work. Searching for publications in e-journal databases. • 4. independent work. Searching for books in e-book databases.
2.Analyse and critically evaluate the sources of information found, assess their reliability, relevance and scientific quality, ensuring that the theoretical basis of the qualification work is based on scientifically sound sources.
Individual work and tests
test 1 with 10 multi-choice questions on databases and searching, selecting, evaluating and retrieving information. • test 2 with 10 multi-choice questions on databases and searching, selecting, evaluating and retrieving information. • 4. independent work. Searching for books in e-book databases. • 9. independent work. Evaluation of the quality of a free-access resource. • Prepared list of literature sources selected for research
3.Establish a structured, qualitative and scientifically correct list of literature using appropriate quoting and referencing requirements for the development of qualification work.
Individual work and tests
Prepared list of literature sources selected for research • 8. independent work. Work with the referencing tool EndNote.
Assessment
Individual work
|
Title
|
% from total grade
|
Grade
|
|---|---|---|
|
1.
1. independent work. Basic principles for searching for information. Working with keywords. |
4.50% from total grade
|
Test
|
|
Provide answers to questions about basic information search principles. Identify keywords for the topic you choose and create a search expression using the keywords you choose. |
||
|
2.
2. independent work. Searching for books in an electronic catalogue. |
4.50% from total grade
|
Test
|
|
Perform searches in the electronic catalog and provide answers to questions. |
||
|
3.
3. independent work. Searching for publications in an electronic catalogue. |
4.50% from total grade
|
Test
|
|
Perform magazine searches in an electronic catalogue and publications in an analytical database and provide answers to questions. |
||
|
4.
4. independent work. Searching for books in e-book databases. |
4.50% from total grade
|
Test
|
|
Search for your subject in the specified databases and retrieve references. Create individual profiles in databases and store books found in them. |
||
|
5.
5. independent work. Searching for publications in e-journal databases. |
4.50% from total grade
|
Test
|
|
To study the journals referred to in the assignment and to record the type (scientific; sectoral, popular) of each of them, as well as the characteristics by which it can be determined. Create individual profiles in databases and store useful publications found in them. |
||
|
6.
6. independent work. Compare E-journal databases (EBSCO, ProQuest, ScienceDirect, Wiley Online Library) and populate the table. |
4.50% from total grade
|
Test
|
|
Search your topic in each database, apply the filters in the table, specify the number of results found, and order the results. |
||
|
7.
7. independent work. Work with Primo’s “E-resources from A-Z” tool. |
4.50% from total grade
|
Test
|
|
Using Primo’s “E-resources from A-Z” tool, find out which of RSU’s subscribed databases contain the referred to journals. Find out if any of the most cited journals in your sector are available in RSU databases. |
||
|
8.
8. independent work. Work with the referencing tool EndNote. |
4.50% from total grade
|
Test
|
|
Download EndNote to your computer, create an individual profile. Export references from databases to EndNote and import references from EndNote to Word document. Create a small list of references (5 different sources) about your subject by specifying the reference style. |
||
|
9.
9. independent work. Evaluation of the quality of a free-access resource. |
4.50% from total grade
|
Test
|
|
Choose one free-access resource for your industry and evaluate it according to the quality criteria listed in the table, marking them. |
||
|
10.
10. independent work. PubMed tasks. |
4.50% from total grade
|
Test
|
|
When searching the PubMed database and using different PubMed tools, provide answers to questions about search types/tools applied, filters applied, results found, and full text availability. |
||
|
11.
11 independent work. Testing of AI tools in scientific databases. |
5.00% from total grade
|
Test
|
|
Test AI tools for searching, sorting, analyzing, and comparing scientific information. |
||
|
12.
Prepared list of literature sources selected for research |
30.00% from total grade
|
Test
|
|
In accordance with the topic of your research paper, perform searches in different resources, retrieve references to found sources of literature, and draw up a bibliographic list of references for your research paper using the reference tool |
||
Examination
|
Title
|
% from total grade
|
Grade
|
|---|---|---|
|
1.
test 1 with 10 multi-choice questions on databases and searching, selecting, evaluating and retrieving information. |
10.00% from total grade
|
10 points
|
|
Active participation in classes. 100% independent work and homework. Final test: test. Invitation to fill in the study course evaluation questionnaire. |
||
|
2.
test 2 with 10 multi-choice questions on databases and searching, selecting, evaluating and retrieving information. |
10.00% from total grade
|
10 points
|
|
Provide the correct answers to test questions about databases and the search, selection, evaluation and retrieval of information. |
||
Study Course Theme Plan
FULL-TIME
Part 1
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Computer room
|
2
|
Topics
|
The concept of information literacy. Basic principles for searching for information, defining the topic of qualification work, defining keywords, creating a search strategy, storing information, registering individually with electronic resources.
Description
The lecture discusses theoretical basics of information literacy, basic principles of information search, definition of the topic of qualification work, importance of keyword selection and general principles for the development of search strategies. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Computer room
|
2
|
Topics
|
RSU subscribed databases, resources, tools. Access to RSU subscribed resources.
Description
The lecture describes the scientific databases and information resources subscribed to RSU, their availability and role in ensuring the development of qualification work. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Computer room
|
2
|
Topics
|
RSU subscribed databases, resources, tools. Access to RSU subscribed resources.
Description
In the lesson, students acquire the search for information in RSU electronic catalogue and institutional repository DSpace by acquainting themselves with the availability of books, publications and final study papers for qualification work. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Computer room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Catalogue and finding publications in library catalogues. Linking electronic catalogues to the Primo search engine.
Description
In the lesson, students learn to search for publications in electronic catalogues and link them to the single Finder Primo in order to effectively identify and access full-text scientific resources. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Computer room
|
2
|
Topics
|
E-books databases: EBSCO, EbookCentral, AccessMedicine, ClinicalKey. Information searching, evaluating and saving the results.
Description
In the lesson, students acquaint themselves with databases of e-books and acquire the search, evaluation and retention of information for the purposes of the theoretical part of the qualification work. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Computer room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Types of scientific journals. Electronic journals. Citation databases. Citing and referencing. Citing and referencing. Systems of referencing. References from databases, Primo tool. RSU rules for creating references.
Description
In the lesson, students become acquainted with the types of scientific journals, quoting databases and indicators of the influence of journals, as well as learn how to retrieve references from different information resources. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Computer room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Full text journal databases. Information searching, evaluating and saving the results. Retrieval of full texts of publications. Interlibrary loan.
Description
In the lesson, students learn to search for full-text journals and access options, including using a cross-library subscription, to provide full texts. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Computer room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Primo search tool. Tool: E-resources from A-Z.
Description
In the lesson, students acquire the use of the single Resource Finder Primo and the E-resources from A-Z tool in order to identify the scientific sources of information available to RSU. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Computer room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Reference tool EndNote. Exporting and retrieving references.
Description
In the lesson, students learn the use of the reference management tool EndNote for storing, structuring and drawing up literature for qualification work. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Computer room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Reference, encyclopedia and news databases: Letonica, News.lv, Leta, industry, Britannica. Evidence-based databases: Cochrane Library, ClinicalKey, DynaMed, UpToDate
Description
In the lesson, students become acquainted with reference, encyclopedia and news databases, evaluating their application in academic and research work. And familiarise yourself with the evidence-based resources and the specifics of their use in the selection of scientific information. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Computer room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Free access internet resources. Internet searching systems. Searching for trustworthy and reliable medical information. Quality of information on the internet (principles of quality). Evaluating the quality of free access resources.
Description
In the lesson, students acquire free-access Internet resource search and quality evaluation principles, ensuring the selection of reliable sources of information. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Computer room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Database PubMed: Database PubMed: characteristics, creating an individual profile, search strategy, managing results, saving results.
Description
In the lesson, students learn work with the PubMed database, including creating a profile, building search strategies and storing results. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Computer room
|
2
|
Topics
|
PubMed Tools: MeSH database (controlled medical vocabulary), Journal Database, Single Citation Matcher. Linking PubMed with other resources (databases, EndNote, Primo), full text retrieval.
Description
In the lesson, students become acquainted with PubMed’s additional tools (mesh, journal database) and linking the database to EndNote and other information resources. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Computer room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Research search tools in the PubMed database. PubMed Central. Bookshelf.
Description
In the lesson, students acquire research search opportunities in the PubMed database, familiarise themselves with the resources of the NCBI: PubMed Central and Bookshelf and their use to obtain full-text scientific literature for qualification work. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Computer room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Artificial intelligence tools in scientific databases
Description
In the lesson, students become acquainted with artificial intelligence tools available in scientific databases and accelerate the search, organization, analysis and comparability of information. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Computer room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Linking resources for full-text retrieval. Course summary. Interactive test.
Description
Students in the class shall compile the skills of searching for acquired information, acquire the linking of resources for extraction of full texts and strengthen knowledge within the framework of the course summary |
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
3.00
Contact hours:
32 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Test
Bibliography
Required Reading
1.
Znotiņa, I., Vītola, B. 2025. Informācijas meklēšanas pamati elektroniskajos resursos. Rīga: RSU.
2.
Mārtinsone K., Pipere A. 2019. Zinātniskā rakstīšana un pētījumu rezultātu izplatīšana / Kristīnes Mārtinsones un Anitas Piperes zinātniskajā redakcijā; autori: Uldis Berķis, Maija Dambrova, Inese Gobiņa, Kristīne Mārtinsone; Ivans Jānis Mihailovs [un vēl 7 autori]. Rīga: Rīgas Stradiņa universitāte.
3.
Spila D., Znotiņa I. 2019. Medicīnas informācijas meklēšana elektroniskajos resursos. RSU TIC.
4.
NCBI handbook. 2025 [electronic resources].
Additional Reading
1.
Bradley, Phil. 2017. Expert Internet Searching. London: Facet Publishing. (EBSCO)
2.
Downey, Annie. 2016. Critical Information Literacy : Foundations, Inspiration, and Ideas. Library Juice Press. (EBSCO)
3.
Freedman T. 2015. Coming of age: an introduction to the NEW worldwide web [electronic publication]. (EBSCO)
4.
Teaching Information Literacy and Writing Studies. 2019. Volume 2, Upper-Level and Graduate Courses, edited by Grace Veach, Purdue University Press. (EBSCO)
5.
Thomas N., Franklin L., Crow S. 2011. Information Literacy And Information Skills Instruction: Applying Research To Practice In The 21St Century School Library [e-book]. Santa Barbara, Calif: Libraries Unlimited. Available from: eBook Academic Collection (EBSCOhost).
6.
Medical Information Literacy: eBook for medical librarians. 2021. Authors: Sirje Virkus, Riina Kuik, Ivika Rande, Keiu Saarniit, Piret Truu, Žaneta Brazdžiūtė, Zane Bondare, Signe Riekstiņa-Pāla, Daiga Spila, Daiga Šļahota, Inga Znotiņa, Meilė Kretavičienė, Asta Burbulytė, Laura Petrauskienė. [PDF]. Kaunas.
7.
Spila D. 2013. Pasaules medicīnas citējamo žurnālu datubāze PubMed un informācijas meklēšanas iespējas: Mācību materiāls informācijpratībā [Elektroniskais resurss]. Rīga: RSU.
8.
Spila D., Znotiņa I. 2014. Medicīnas informācijas pamatu apgūšana elektroniskajos resursos: Mācību materiāls informācijpratībā [Elektroniskais resurss]. Rīga: RSU.