Introduction
Articles
Books
Government Documents
Encyclopedias/Dictionaries
Handbooks
Directories
Websites
Help
This guide is intended to provide an introduction to resources available from the Univerisy of Lethbridge Library in the field of Nursing.
The items listed below represent only a sample of available resources, however. To locate additional sources, or to obtain assistance using the sources listed below, please ask at the Library's Information and Reference Assistance Desk on Level 10 of the Library, or call 329-2263.
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Finding Journal Articles: Indexes/Databases. The most current research on any academic topic is often found in journal articles. Online indexes and databases provide access to this information, allowing you to search for articles on specific subjects. In addition to journal article citations, indexes/databases usually provide abstracts (short descriptions or summaries of articles), and sometimes they provide the full text of the journal article. Some indexes and databases cover not only journal articles but also newspaper articles, dissertations, conference proceedings, book chapters, government publications, and other types of information.
Nursing Indexes/Databases. The most useful indexes/databases for finding information on topics in Nursing and other Health Science disciplines are available from the Library's Nursing Resources page. The first index listed here, CINAHL Plus with Full Text, is the largest and most comprehensive index to English language literature in Nursing. The second index, Medline, is also an excellent index to find articles related to Nursing. But there are many other indexes listed here which may be helpful. It will often be necessary to consult more than one resource.
Finding Full Text. Some indexes and databases contain the full text of journal articles in addition to the article citation. (An article citation usually includes the article author(s), article title, journal title, publication year, journal volume number, journal issue number, and page numbers of a given journal article.) If the resource you are searching does not provide the full text, click on the Find Full Text button near the citation in the index you are searching to find out if the Library subscribes to that journal in either print or electronic form. You can also do a Journal Title search in the Catalogue to see if the Library owns or provides online access to the journal you are seeking.
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Search the Library Catalogue to find books on Nursing-related topics. The Library Catalogue can also be used to find audiovisual materials, government publications, microforms, and electronic resources. You can search the catalogue for specific titles, works by a particular author, or items on a specific subject.
Two kinds of subject searches can be carried out: Keyword and (Library of Congress) Subject Heading. Subject Headings are subject terms that are assigned to each item in the library catalogue in a standard, consistent way, according to a thesaurus or list of approved terms.
You can also subscribe to an RSS Feed to view new titles received by the library.
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Governments publish a wealth of information related to the Health Sciences. Most Canadian and Alberta government publications are located in the Government Documents collection on Level 10. You will also find some government publications, both federal and provincial, in the Main Collection on Levels 9 and 10.
Many government publications are now available in electronic format; electronic government documents can often be accessed via the Library Catalogue.
Library Catalogue
The Library Catalogue is the first place to check for government publications. It includes all federal and Alberta publications, including many in electronic form. A few publications from other provinces can also be found using the catalogue.
Library Web Page - Government Information
Provides many useful links to provincial, national, and international government information including a section on help with finding and citing government publications. Included are links to a variety of government departments and agencies, where many electronic documents can be found.
Statistics Canada Site
The Statistics Canada site provides access to a wealth of statistical information by subject. Many Statistics Canada publications, both print and electronic, are also accessible via the Library Catalogue.
Canadian Research Index
Access this index via Library's Web Page, "Indexes/Databases" subpage. This is the most comprehensive available index to all government publications, both federal and provincial. Entries include Microlog numbers, which can be used to access provincial publications on microfiche in the Library's Microlog collection. Look for the Microlog collection in the Microforms area on Level 11 (call number: J 103 M5).
Health in Canada (Statistics Canada)
This portal provides quick access to health information and statistics for Canada or specific provinces, cities, regions.
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Dictionaries define the terminology of a discipline. Encyclopedias give background information on a wide variety of topics, and often include references for further research. Some examples are:
Mosby's Pocket Dictionary of Medicine, Nursing & Health Professions (2010)
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Handbooks can provide quick access to summaries of important concepts or procedures as well as basic factual information in summary form. The following are examples:
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Directories identify, locate, and provide various other information on individuals, organizations, and institutions.
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Listed below are examples of web sites where you will find information relevant to Nursing. Remember that not all information found on the web is appropriate for academic purposes.
For help with evaluating information found on the web, see the Library's How-To Guide on this subject.
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (US Dept. of Health)
CARNA: College & Association of Registered Nurses of Alberta
Database of Online Health Statistics
Provides access to freely available web-based statistics generated by national and global agencies and research groups.
Evidence-Based Health Care: a Guide to the Resources (University at Buffalo Health Sciences Library)
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If you have difficulty finding or using the information you require:
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Content Revised: April 7, 2011
Content Created: September 10, 2004
