Reference

Reference provides help to the library user who wants guidance in finding information. Reference librarians assist with identification, location, and use of information resources. Resources may include databases, websites, printed materials, community resources, or subject experts. Librarians also can search for answers to questions or provide literature searches on a topic.

Reference Hours:  8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday - Friday

Reference Services

Research Consultation

The Farha Medical Library offers a free research consultation service to students, faculty, and staff. This service helps to:

• Offer possible courses of investigation
• Identify sources of information (print and electronic)
• Assist with search strategy development for electronic databases
• Suggest other library services, such as interlibrary loan and full text resources available online

The Farha Medical Library reference staff also helps the public find health information.

Contact the reference librarian at 316-293-2629 to inquire about the service or to arrange an appointment.

Below are representative questions that we help with:

• Scenario 1:
  "I need to do a literature search on my topic and can't remember how to use PubMed. Can you help me?"
• Scenario 2:
  "I have searched for my topic and am having trouble finding any pertinent information. Can you suggest other sources or a different database search strategy?"
• Scenario 3:
  "I have a health problem. Can you help me find information about my condition? I am not affiliated with the KU School of Medicine."

Literature Search Service

Fee-based expert searching of the medical literature is offered at the Farha Medical Library.

Custom searches are done by medical reference librarians who have masters degrees in library science, formal database training, knowledge of how information is disseminated, and extensive medical reference experience.

Charges vary according to the complexity of the search and your affiliation with the KU School of Medicine-Wichita.

To request a search, call the Reference Desk at 316-293-2629, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Reference Policies

Computer Lab

The library computer lab is for the use of KUSM-W affiliates, which includes medical students, MPH students, residents, faculty, and staff. The computer lab is located in the reference area on the first floor of the Farha Medical Library.

Reference Books

Reference books are for use in the library only.

Service Priority

Reference service is available to KU School of Medicine-Wichita students, faculty, medical residents, and staff and to the citizens of Kansas. Fees are charged for some services. Reference services will be provided as quickly as possible. First priority of service is to the library's primary patrons: medical students, master of public health students, faculty, medical residents, and staff.