Comparing the self-described searching knowledge of first-year medical and dental students before and after a MEDLINE class.

Do students need MEDLINE instruction? Do self-described knowledge and search skills match actual ability? To address these questions, librarians developed an assessment tool, a self-administered pre-test/post-test of eighteen skills and concepts taught in the MEDLINE class. By their own assessment, 70% or more of the medical and dental students learned something about each concept taught during the workshop. The study convinced faculty and students that the MEDLINE class is necessary. Librarians and associated faculty agree that the class is important and should continue to be mandatory.