Serving East African Bioethics information and education needs

Abstract

Objective: To identify the challenges of supporting the information needs of students and researchers participating in an international research ethics education practicum and exchange between universities in Kenya and the United States.

Methods: One component of a grant-funded international research ethics training partnership supports a six-week intensive practicum exchange program. Master's level students from Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya, travel to the Indiana University (IU) School of Medicine-Indianapolis. While at the IU School of Medicine, the Kenyan students use library services to prepare for a mentored research project. As an outcome of the project, students are expected to conduct an extensive literature search that will be used as a foundational component for a thesis that is completed in Kenya. An informationist is embedded in this program to support the information needs of faculty mentors and practicum students. This paper uses narrative reports and program evaluation data to identify the challenges of (1) providing information literacy education, (2) confronting resource inequities, and (3) supporting information needs across cultures and universities in two countries.

Results: Two cohorts of Kenyan students completed this practicum. The program leaders and librarians continue to adapt the information skills sessions to meet student interests and needs. Teaching has been a challenge because students demonstrate a wide range of technical sophistication. Some have extensive computing experience, but others struggle with Internet navigation, account authentication, and common technology skills. In the second cohort, the students worked well in pairs to find relevant research ethics materials while using the university's information portals and subscription resources. In both cohorts, students expressed a desire for a slower instruction pace and for additional sessions. Students were frequent customers for reference support. Librarians observed a preference for print monographs. While confirming a need for both print and electronic resources, practicum students have initiated a small and growing library of print materials for bioethics research at Moi University.

Conclusion: Teaching information skills to a small group of adult students with a wide range of educational experiences is a challenge when students are working in a new (information rich) environment. Student evaluations have expressed an appreciation for instruction customized to their interests and needs, a slow delivery style, and opportunities for one-to-one instruction.