Abstract
OBJECTIVE: It’s challenging to discuss topics such as deception in biomedical research, concerns about artificial intelligence (AI), or the poor quality of many evidence syntheses with patrons who fear they may be doing something wrong. Librarians at our university will tackle this problem in “The Horrors of Bad Research,” an upcoming workshop series running the month of October 2024. This series takes a light-hearted, horror-themed approach to address serious themes, such as evidence quality and the misuse of AI in research. By having fun with the theming, we believe patrons will be more engaged and, therefore, more open to the material being presented than if they were lectured in a more traditional method.
METHODS: Four hour-long lectures have been developed. The first, called “Dodge Deception with Critical Appraisal” focuses on learning how to identify issues in research through critical appraisal tools. The second, entitled “The Growing Systematic Review Monster” focuses on the importance of following best practices in evidence syntheses methodology. The third, entitled “It’s Alive? Issues with Artificial Intelligence” discusses why AI cannot be used as a reliable research tool. And, finally, the fourth, “Data Disasters: How to Avoid Horror Stories in Data Management” teaches how to prevent data catastrophes.
RESULTS: By the time of the conference, the authors will have data and comments from attendees’ evaluation forms.
CONCLUSIONS: In some cases, a creative approach may be best when it comes to helping users navigate through the uncertainty of implementing new tools or learning advanced review methodology for the first time. Librarians should not avoid having fun around heavier topics if they stay true to the facts and subject matter at hand. It has the potential to create a more engaging learning experience for themselves and their patrons.
METHODS: Four hour-long lectures have been developed. The first, called “Dodge Deception with Critical Appraisal” focuses on learning how to identify issues in research through critical appraisal tools. The second, entitled “The Growing Systematic Review Monster” focuses on the importance of following best practices in evidence syntheses methodology. The third, entitled “It’s Alive? Issues with Artificial Intelligence” discusses why AI cannot be used as a reliable research tool. And, finally, the fourth, “Data Disasters: How to Avoid Horror Stories in Data Management” teaches how to prevent data catastrophes.
RESULTS: By the time of the conference, the authors will have data and comments from attendees’ evaluation forms.
CONCLUSIONS: In some cases, a creative approach may be best when it comes to helping users navigate through the uncertainty of implementing new tools or learning advanced review methodology for the first time. Librarians should not avoid having fun around heavier topics if they stay true to the facts and subject matter at hand. It has the potential to create a more engaging learning experience for themselves and their patrons.
Original language | American English |
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State | Accepted/In press - 2024 |
Event | SC/MLA & MAC/MLA Joint Annual Conference - Charleston, United States Duration: Oct 27 2024 → Oct 30 2024 https://southernchaptermla.wildapricot.org/2024-SC-MAC-Annual-Meeting |
Conference
Conference | SC/MLA & MAC/MLA Joint Annual Conference |
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Country/Territory | United States |
City | Charleston |
Period | 10/27/24 → 10/30/24 |
Internet address |