Competence two: Identifying what information is needed
This is competence two in the RCN's Finding, using and managing information: nursing, midwifery health and social care information literacy competences (PDF 48KB) [see how to access PDF files].
This page guides you to learning resources to enable you to develop your skills related to this competence.
Ithaca College Library: primary and secondary sources
This web page provides an introduction to the differences between primary and secondary sources.
RCN Learning Zone: How trustworthy is your information?
This learning resource has been developed for nurses, midwives, students, and support workers in health and social care who may be routinely researching topics in support of their day-to-day work or studies. It guides you through some of the issues and activities involved in finding, using and managing information so that you can develop your skills in accessing the right information at the right time, applying and communicating it appropriately.
University of Minnesota bio-medical library: primary, secondary and tertiary sources in the health sciences
This web page provides an introduction to the differences between primary, secondary and tertiary sources with a useful timeline showing how research findings can move through each type of source over time.