Information literacy, learning, guides and training

Guides to download

Many files on this page are in PDF format. See how to access PDF files.

Online learning

Use 'Finding articles with BNI' in the RCN Learning Zone to help you successfully search British Nursing Index. It shows you how to undertake a literature search and print out articles available through the RCN online journals service.

Go to the 'Skills for Learning' section of the RCN Learning Zone.

With 'Information Literacy' in the RCN Learning Zone learn to identify the information you need, how to plan your search and locate sources; how to review the results of your search, communicate your findings and decide whether to make changes to your practice.

Go to the 'Skills for Learning' section of the RCN Learning Zone.

Internet for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting, created by Intute: Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health. Use this interactive tutorial to improve your internet skills.

Go to: Internet for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting.

Use the interactive ProQuest Medical Databases tutorials to learn how to use the ProQuest Nursing Journals database. Look for the tutorials covering the ProQuest Medical Databases on the ProQuest Training page. You will need Flash software to use these tutorials.

Go to: The ProQuest Training page.

Use the PubMed Quick Tours animated tutorials to learn about using the PubMed (MEDLINE) database.  The online tours for ‘Searching PubMed’ are a good starting point and each takes only a few minutes to complete. You will need Flash software to download these tutorials.

Go to: The PubMed Quick Tours page

Training sessions

We offer training sessions in literature searching and using the internet - both for beginners and more experienced users. Our sessions can help you get the best from the resources available in the RCN e-library and in the RCN Libraries. See below for sessions in RCN libraries.

If there is not a session that is suitable for you please contact us to discuss your needs.

RCN UK library drop-in training sessions

The RCN UK library is running the following training sessions free of charge to RCN Members. To attend all you need to do is come to the Help Point in the RCN UK library on any of the dates as detailed below. Sessions will start promptly; it is not necessary to book in advance.

Getting to know the RCN UK library

Come along to this session and find out how the library can be of benefit to you as a member. Includes a tour of the library and a short introduction to searching the RCN library catalogue and British Nursing Index to find information.

2008 dates and times   

  • Friday 05 September: 14:00-15:00
  • Thursday 11 September: 14:30-15:30
  • Friday 10 October: 14:00-15:00
  • Tuesday 28 October: 14:00-15:00
  • Thursday 13 November: 11:00-12:00
  • Tuesday 25 November: 14:00-15:00.

Introduction to finding journal articles with British Nursing Index

Come along to this session where you will be able to learn how to search the British Nursing Index database, including search techniques, linking to full text articles. The session will cover using this service both in the library and through the RCN website.

2008 dates and times

  • Tuesday 30 September: 14:00-15:00
  • Friday 17 October: 14:00-15:00
  • Friday 24 October: 14:00-15:00
  • Monday 03 November: 14:00-15:00
  • Tuesday 18 November: 15:30-16:30
  • Friday 05 December: 14:00-15:00
  • Wednesday 17 December: 14:00-15:00. 

If you can’t make any of these sessions please email with two or three alternative dates and times and we will do our best to accommodate you. You may book for groups of up to eight people.

If you have any further questions about the training sessions please feel free to email us:information.literacy@rcn.org.uk.

Saturday drop-in training

Need some help? Searching for books? Using the internet to find quality information? Finding articles? Then come along to our "drop-in" training. The sessions are flexible and will take into account the individual needs of attendees.

Dates and times:

  • September - July: Every Saturday  11.00am -12.00pm.

RCN Northern Ireland Library and Information Zone 

Information skills sessions

  • BNI British Nursing Index database searching.

Weekly Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday: 12.30pm – 1.00pm.

Phone 0845 456 7839 or 02890 384612/13 or email: library.belfast@rcn.org.uk to confirm attendance. Maximum of six people only.

Health care support worker sessions

Telephone or email to book yourself in for your 'one-to-one' session or bring a RCN member friend. By the end of this session you will know what resources we have and what services we can offer you and will have learnt skills in accessing and searching your information resources on the RCN website.

You can also visit our drop-in cybersuite for free internet access, or take advantage of a range of information skills sessions.

RCN Scotland learning hub

Courses on offer for RCN members:

  • Basic computer course

This is a practical course for beginners. It includes using the keyboard, the mouse and Microsoft Word.  More experienced beginners can also learn how to format text, create tables or use email.

Information skills course part 1

This is a practical course which includes the use of the RCN and NHS Scotland eLibraries. You will learn:

  • How to clarify what information you need
  • Where to find information that fits your needs
  • How to conduct a literature search using bibliographic databases
  • How to use e-books and e-journals
  • Where to find clinical guidelines and health legislation.

Please note that basic IT skills are required for this course.

Information skills course part 2

This is run as an optional addition to Information Skills Part 1. It covers how to evaluate information and use it ethically.

For further information, or to enrol on a course, please email the RCN Scotland Learning Hub or telephone us on 0131 662 6163/4.

RCN Wales library

For information on information skills training please email the RCN Wales Library telephone: 029 2075 1373.