Introduction

In the current socio-cultural climate of “alternative facts”, the need for rigorous research is greater than ever. Doctoral studies offer a unique phase in the development and legitimization of researchers, in which PhD students shift from the consumption to the production of knowledge. If librarians are to support this process in an evidence-based manner, it is essential to understand the distinct practices of this population. While recent literature reviews exist concerning the information practices of graduate students and researchers, there is little knowledge synthesis which focuses solely on the information literacies of PhD students within the health sciences.

Aim

The aim of this project was to explore the depth and breadth of evidence which describes the information literacies of students pursing a doctoral degree within the health sciences. Method In order to investigate the research activity concerning PhD students within the health sciences, we performed a scoping review (Arksey & O´Malley, 2005). Relevant literature was identified through strategic searches in databases, handsearched key journals, and reference lists. References were screened independently by both authors based on predetermined inclusion criteria. General trends within the literature were mapped based on the extraction of the following data: geographic location, population, academic discipline, and method of investigation.

Results

Many studies fail to treat doctoral studies as a unique process. PhD students are often grouped together with other graduate students or researchers. Studies tend to be based on small populations, and the number of PhD students involved is either unclear or only equals a few individuals within the entire group of study. In addition, of the limited number of studies which focus on PhD students only, few conduct explicit examination of information practices within the health sciences. The result is that PhD students in the health sciences are underrepresented as a distinct group within the recent literature.

Conclusion

This review highlights the need for more primary research on the information literacies of PhD students in the health sciences.

Reference

Arksey, H., & O'Malley, L. (2005). Scoping studies: towards a methodological framework. International Journal of Social Research Methodology, 8(1), 19-32. doi:10.1080/1364557032000119616