Program Overview

Evidence-Based Practice for the Medical Librarian

Course Description

This eight-week online, asynchronous course is designed to be an introduction to the process of evidence-based practice (EBP) and the supporting roles and opportunities for health sciences librarians. EBP is the conscientious use of current best evidence in making decisions about patient care. It incorporates clinical expertise, current clinical research, and patient preference and values into a shared decision-making process to improve healthcare.

This course will focus on understanding the knowledge management skills clinicians need to practice EBP, such as how to formulate relevant questions, efficiently search biomedical literature, and evaluate the evidence for validity and applicability to the patient. To that end, participants will learn how to identify the basic clinical study designs, compose focused clinical questions and related search strategies, analyze search strategies, and assess the risk of bias in published studies through in-depth critical appraisal. As you move through the content, you will be able to identify roles librarians can undertake in providing EBP training and support.

The format of this asynchronous course includes the combination of a manual, independent readings, videos, and practice through a series of exercises. Instructors will guide you through the material and provide individual feedback for the exercises.

The course is approved for three academic credits.

Course Objectives

After completing this class, participants should be able to:

• Identify and explain the 5 steps in the practice of EBP
• Identify the major clinical study designs
• Identify the parts of a well-built clinical question
• Identify appropriate resources to answer clinical questions
• Identify and explain the potential risks of bias in randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews
• Identify and explain the potential risks of bias for at least one other type of study (prognosis, harm, or diagnosis)
• Identify and explain the basic statistical terminology used to report the results of randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews
• Identify at least 4 roles for librarians in supporting EBP education and practice for healthcare professionals

Course Outline

Week One and Two: Introduction and Question Building

• What is EBP?
• Why is EBP important?
• Is it reasonable to expect evidence from the literature?
• What is the librarian’s role in EBP?
• Constructing a well-built clinical question
• Study designs in clinical research
• Complete Review 1A, Review 1B, and Exercise 1

Week Three and Four: Selecting the Resources and Conducting the Search

• Selecting resources
• Searching MEDLINE
• Complete Exercise 2A and 2B

Week Five and Six: Evaluating the Evidence

• Role of the Librarian in Critical Appraisal
• Appraising articles on Therapy
• Appraising articles of Systematic Reviews
• Appraising articles on Diagnosis
• Appraising articles on Prognosis
• Appraising articles on Etiology/Harm
• Complete Review 3 and Exercise 3 Therapy A, 3 Therapy B, 3 Systematic Review C

Week Seven and Eight: Roles for the Librarian, Final Assignment and Wrap-up

• Roles for the Librarian
• Final Assignment
• Class evaluation

Instructors

• Sarah Cantrell
• Megan Von Isenburg

Registration and Payment

The course is held twice during the academic year.

• Course fee: $625.00.
• Registration link:
  • Fall 2025 dates:
    • July 28, 2025 at 3:00pm ET – Registration opens
    • August 4, 2025 at 11:59pm ET – Registration closes, or until capacity is filled
    • August 18, 2025 – Course begins
    • October 12, 2025 – Course ends
    • December 1, 2025 – Course ends
  • Spring 2026 dates:
    • December 1, 2025 at 3:00pm ET – Registration opens
    • December 8, 2025 at 11:59pm ET – Registration closes, or until capacity is filled
    • January 7, 2026 – Course begins
    • March 1, 2026 – Course ends
    • April 27, 2026 – Course ends