Holt Library: Health Information Technology: Research

Research and how to do it: SHORT VIDEO

Research Companion This link opens in a new window
Video tutorial: Learn how to create a research project.

HIT

American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)
How AHIMA Moves You Forward
AHIMA’s primary goal is to provide the knowledge, resources and tools to advance health information professional practice and standards for the delivery of quality healthcare. Whether you work in the field, or are just interested in learning more about the profession, ahima.org provides the answers to your HIM questions and effective solutions for critical HIM issues.

Browse our newly redesigned site to learn more about HIM, how to join AHIMA, earning AHIMA credentials, attending Association events, networking with HIM professionals, career opportunities with AHIMA, and much more! Visit often to find the vital and timely information you need.

Request Research Appointment

Get Research Assistance

Need help knowing where to start your library research?

ask a Librarian for help at the Holt Library desk or
contact us to set up a one-on-one appointment.

Email: library@southwesterncc.edu
Phone: 828.339.4288

Research databases

Research Database, or Google?

Research databases are more focused than what you can find with an Internet search engine, and include the full text of many magazines, journals, and newspapers that are otherwise only available through paid subscriptions.
Google searches result in popular sources that are not necessarily peer-reviewed or scholarly (ie., not always suitable as a source for research).

What does "peer reviewed" mean?

A peer-reviewed journal is one that uses a system of reviewers who are the professional equals of the principal author of an article or book. Many academic journals utilize the peer review process. Several databases carry peer-reviewed journals and allow you to limit your search to peer-reviewed titles.

"Scholarly":

Scholarly sources are written by subject experts for an audience of experts. They are not always peer-reviewed, but they are considered more credible than sources written by non-experts.

Databases provide:

citations
easy ways to save, print, or email items and links
test practice, learning opportunities, and study techniques
hints on items for further study or related topics