Research Assistance

Set up a one-on-one instruction session with one of our expert librarians! We can teach you the basic or advanced searching strategies and citation management using RefWorks. If possible, bring a current project or assignment to use as an example. Appointments are available Monday - Thursday, 9am-5pm and Friday, 9am-4:30pm. Appointments are offered at no cost. To schedule, please fill out an online appointment request form, or email library@rush.edu.

The RUSH Library's instructional program aims to develop the information literacy skills of all levels of researchers as presented in the ACRL's Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education and the MLA's Competencies for Professional Success: Health Sciences Information Knowledge and Skills. Health science librarians provide a wide variety of expertise that includes teaching research skills, and knowledge of the tools necessary to manage and organize information. Librarians can facilitate a discussion that helps the researcher eliminate bias and to critically evaluate resources in the biomedical literature.

The RUSH Library provides in-person and virtual library instruction.   

Virtual Library Instruction

Virtual library instruction is provided through WebEx.

You can select from one of the sessions below or request a specific type of training or instruction session using the Library Instruction Request Form.  Please submit your request 2 weeks in advance.

Basic Information Literacy Session, 30 minutes -  45 minutes

This session takes place in a computer lab where students gain practical experience searching the library's online resources.

• Overview of RUSH Library services via PowerPoint
• Review of resources on the RUSH Library website
• One library database search (This will include keyword searching and controlled vocabulary.)

 Intermediate Information Literacy Session, 45 minutes -  60 minutes

This session takes place in a computer lab where students gain practical experience searching the library's online resources.

• Overview of RUSH Library services via PowerPoint
• Review of resources on the RUSH Library website
• Two library database searches (This will include keyword searching and controlled vocabulary.)
• Brief overview of RefWorks Citation Manager

Advanced Information Literacy Session, 60 minutes - 90 minutes

This session takes place in a computer lab where students gain practical experience searching the library's online resources.

• Overview of RUSH Library services via PowerPoint
• Review of resources on the RUSH Library website
• Two-three library database searches (This will include keyword searching and controlled vocabulary.)
• Review of citation resources and RefWorks Citation Manager features such as importing resources,
• Write-n-Cite, de-duplication, and creating a bibliography.