How to conduct an effective search for information. Focus in students, teachers and researchers in education

Abstract

A large percentage of students and professors from the Biomedical field use Google as their first option of information source whenever an academic question emerges. On the other hand, only 40% of searches performed by physicians to solve clinical issues result in a correct information.
The aim of this document was to provide the basis for Information Search (IS) and the acquisition of abilities to obtain selective, significant, and pertinent information in an efficient and critical way. Also, to identify information sources relative to the Biomedical field. To achieve this, three groups of IS users were proposed: 1) Students and Professors, 2) Clinical Professionals, and 3) Researchers. The purpose being to build a search methodology and identify information sources according to each group needs. A six-phase process was proposed for an efficient information search: closing on the subject, question presentation, strategy elaboration, choice of information sources, option to imit
the search, and the organization, administration and use of the information. These involves the development of the most important abilities for IS. IS entails a dynamic process. As necessary abilities are developed to guarantee a successful process, the skill to “proceed from information to knowledge” will be achieved. The ability to formulate questions and elaborate search strategies to obtain the best evidence as well as a critical evaluation is an essential skill to support decision-making, elaboration of reference frames, and update the teaching-learning process. The academic community should get to know and use library services, especially nowadays since controlled teaching trends imply students be more self-regulated and independent.