LIRN Library & Resource Center

LIRN Library & Resource Center

Overview

The LIRN (Library and Information Resources Network) Library & Resource Center is NIMAA's online library, providing students with access to thousands of scholarly and professional resources to support learning throughout the program. Through LIRN, students can search peer-reviewed journal articles, eBooks, magazines, newspapers, streaming educational videos, and other credible sources for research and coursework.

Using reliable, evidence-based information is an important part of becoming a healthcare professional. The LIRN Library & Resource Center helps you locate high-quality resources that support assignments, discussions, projects, and lifelong learning.

What You Can Find in LIRN

The LIRN Library & Resource Center includes access to:

  • Peer-reviewed journal articles
  • eBooks
  • Academic and professional magazines
  • Newspapers
  • Medical and healthcare research
  • Streaming educational videos
  • Reference materials
  • Citation tools and research support resources

These resources can help you:

  • Complete course assignments and research projects.
  • Locate evidence-based information for healthcare topics.
  • Learn more about medical conditions, procedures, and healthcare careers.
  • Strengthen your academic research and information literacy skills.
How to Navigate the LIRN Library & Resource Center

After opening the LIRN Library & Resource Center, you can quickly begin your research using the following tools:

Use the search bar on the home page to enter keywords related to your topic.

Examples:

  • Diabetes
  • Medical assisting
  • Infection control
  • Patient communication
  • HIPAA

Filter Your Results

After performing a search, you can narrow your results by selecting filters such as:

  • Peer-reviewed articles
  • Full-text available
  • Publication date
  • Resource type (journal, eBook, video, etc.)
  • Subject

Using filters helps you find the most relevant and current resources.

Open Resources

Select the title of an article or resource to view additional information.

Many resources allow you to:

  • Read online
  • Download a PDF
  • Save or print
  • Email the article to yourself
  • Generate citations (when available)

If you receive too many or too few results:

  • Use more specific keywords.
  • Add additional search terms.
  • Remove unnecessary words.
  • Apply or remove filters as needed.
     
Tips for Searching Successfully
  • Use specific medical terms whenever possible.
  • Search using two or more keywords.
  • Place quotation marks around exact phrases when appropriate.
  • Limit results to peer-reviewed publications for academic assignments.
  • Check publication dates to ensure information is current.
    • Accessing the LIRN Library & Resource Center

    Students can access the LIRN Library & Resource Center from two locations within Populi.

    Option 1: From the Populi Links Page
    1. Log in to your Populi account.
    2. Select Links from the navigation menu.
    3. Click LIRN Library & Resource Center.
    4. The online library will open in a new browser tab or window.

    Option 2: From Any Course Syllabus
    1. Log in to Populi.
    2. Open any current NIMAA course.
    3. Select Syllabus.
    4. Locate the LIRN Library & Resource Center link within the syllabus.
    5. Select the link to open the online library.



    When Should I Use the Library?

    he LIRN Library & Resource Center is an excellent resource whenever you need to:

    • Complete research assignments.
    • Find evidence to support discussion posts.
    • Learn more about medical topics.
    • Prepare presentations or projects.
    • Explore healthcare topics beyond your coursework.

    Using scholarly resources strengthens your understanding of course content and helps you develop the research skills expected of healthcare professionals.

    Need Help?

    If you experience difficulty accessing the LIRN Library & Resource Center, contact your instructor or submit a support request at it@nimaa.edu for assistance.