Introduction
Smallwood Library offers training sessions designed to support evidence-based practice and study. Our courses are delivered virtually via MS Teams or in-person at venues across the Trust. They are offered in three formats:
- 1-2-1: One participant and a Librarian
- Scheduled: Group session advertised by the library service
- Request: Ask for a group session for 3 or more participants
1-2-1 sessions
These sessions can be tailored to the individual’s needs. Contact the library to book an appointment.
- Literature Searching (Up to 1.5 hours)
Suitable for anyone requiring 1-2-1 support with literature searching. The session can cover topics such as planning your search and defining your keywords, choosing the right resources for your search, searching the databases, refining your search strategy and saving your results. - Support for Assignments (Up to 1.5 hours)
Suitable for students requiring support with their assignments. The session can cover topics such as how to access the library’s resources, literature searching and referencing. - Support for Referencing (Up to 1.5 hours)
Suitable for anyone requiring 1-2-1 support with referencing. The session can cover topics such as what referencing is, different referencing styles, how to reference different types of sources (books, journals etc.), reference management software and creating reference lists/bibliographies.
Group sessions
Scheduled sessions (S) are organised in advance by the library. Email the Library to book your place.Requested sessions (R) are set up by teams or departments to suit their specific needs and availability. Contact the library to arrange a session for your team.
- Advanced Literature Searching (1.5 hours) (R)
Attendees will learn how to carry out in-depth evidence searches. The session will cover defining your research or clinical question, developing a search strategy, identifying suitable databases, and advanced searching techniques. The session includes time for hands-on practice so attendees can experiment with their searching in a supported environment. - Evidence in a Flash (30 minutes) (S)
Attendees will be introduced to the NHS Knowledge and Library Hub, an easy, evidencebased alternative to Google. The session provides plenty of hands-on practice.
(S) 13th February 2026, 09:30-10:00
(S) 19th June 2026, 11:30-12:00
(S) 15th October 2026, 10:30-11:00 - Helping patients understand our jargon (1 hour) (S) or (R)
Abstain from using unfamiliar terms and make accessing health services less frightening and confusing. This health literacy training session equips participants with tools and techniques they can use in their practice to communicate health related information effectively to patients and their loved ones. This can help save time, and improve patient care, patient safety, and patient satisfaction with services.
(S) 20th October 2025, 12:00-13:00
(S) 27th January 2026, 10:00-11:00
(S) 21st October 2026, 13:00-14:00 - Introduction to Literature Searching (1.5 hours) (S)
Participants will be guided through the steps of creating a basic search strategy for finding evidence, with an opportunity to try this out in a supported environment.
(S) 5th December 2025, 09:30-11:30
(S) 16th April 2026, 09:30-11:00
(S) 3rd December 2026, 09:30-11:00 - Introduction to UpToDate (30 minutes) (R)
Enhance your clinical decision making at the point of care with UpToDate. Join us for a demonstration of how UpToDate can help answer clinical questions, enhancing effectiveness at the bedside or on the go. - Reflective Writing (1.5 hours) (S) or (R)
Equips participants with the skills to complete their own pieces of written reflection. Join in to learn how to record what you learn from events and experiences to support your revalidation or improve your practice.
(S) 3rd February 2026, 10:00-11:30
(S) 21st July 2026, 10:00-11:30 - Return to Study (1 hour) (S)
Equips participants with essential skills to support their return to study by discussing concepts such as essay writing, referencing, and time management.
(S) 17th September 2025, 09:30-10:30
(S) 14th May 2026, 10:00-11:00
(S) 18th September 2026, 09:30-10:30 - Study Skills (1 hour) (R)
Supports participants with their studies by discussing topics such as time management, study methods, finding evidence and referencing. - Supporting Statements Made Simple (1.5 hours) (R)
Provides guidance on writing supporting statements for NHS job applications. - Tackling misinformation (1 hour) (S) or (R)
Participants will learn how to assess the quality of online health information and how to spot untrustworthy sources. We will also discuss the rise of misinformation and its impact.
(S) 28th April 2026, 10:00-11:00 - Theory of Critical Appraisal (1.5 hours) (S) or (R)
Helps participants develop their ability to assess the quality of published evidence. It introduces the importance of critical appraisal, hierarchy of evidence, and a basic understanding of the different types of research methodology, checklists, as well as statistical terminology.
(S) 20th November 2025, 10:00-11:30
(S) 17th March 2026, 10:30-12:00
(S) 24th November 2026, 10:00-11:30 - Writing for Publication (1.5 hours) (R)
Supports potential researchers with the tools to successfully write and submit for publication. It covers important factors to consider for journal selection, the benefits of publishing, tips for planning your writing and creating a poster presentation.