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Nursing: Finding and Evaluating Health Resources

Library resources for nursing students!

Evaluating Resources

What Does "Peer-Reviewed" Mean? And Why Does It Matter?!

A peer-reviewed article, also called scholarly or academic, is an article reviewed by experts in the field before publication to ensure accuracy and quality. These articles are highly reliable for academic work and help students understand expert research methods, enhancing critical thinking and professional knowledge. 

Is it a scholarly article?

By Author: Authors contributing scholarly articles typically possess expertise in the field of study they are discussing. Their credentials are commonly listed alongside their affiliation with academic institutions, often as university faculty members. 

By Audience: Authors of scholarly articles write papers for scholars, researchers, and students, assuming a certain level of expertise among their readers. Specialized terminology tailored to the specific field of student will be used in their writing.

By References: Scholarly authors are required to include previous research in their articles, providing both in-text citations and comprehensive list of references at the end of their paper. All scholarly articles contain a works cited section, often labeled "References" or "Bibliography."

By Abstract: Scholarly articles typically feature an abstract, which is a brief paragraph by the author summarizing the content of the paper.

By Graphics: Scholarly articles frequently incorporate graphs, charts, and tables to enhance the presentation of data and analysis.

What is Information Literacy?

Information Literacy is the ability to:

  • Determine the extent of information needed
  • Access the needed information effectively and efficiently
  • Evaluate the information and its sources critically
  • Incorporate selected information into one’s knowledge base
  • Use information effectively to accomplish a specific purpose
  • Understand the economic, legal, and social issues surrounding the use of information, and access and use information ethically and legally

Source: Information Literacy Competency Standards for Higher Education

How to Find Trusted Health Resources

Consortium of Education Affiliates Libraries http://libguides.yourlrc.info