Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
‘Information Literacy’ – a core competency for the 21st century library
Terry O’BrienDeputy Librarian, WIT
LibrariesMember of LAI NWGIL
Menu -
Information Literacy (IL) – a brief overview
Working Group on Information Literacy (WGIL) – work to date
Information Literacy Background What is Information Literacy Why do we need Information
Literacy IL activity Some challenges and issues
Background Relatively new concept Ridgeway (1990) – “hot topic” Snavely & Cooper
(“The IL Debate”, JAL:1997) “Fad”, “trendy phase”, “slippery” Use of term – recommended,
embraced? Literature reviews:
- Rader (Library Trends:2002)- Virkus (Information Research:2003)
Concept The skills necessary to locate, access, and
use information in today’s society Information literacy is a natural extension
of the concept of literacy in our information society, and information literacy education is the catalyst required to transform the information society of today into the learning society of tomorrow. (Bruce, 2004)
Transferable skill Promotes and supports independent
learning Lifelong learning Ethical use of information
What is Information Literacy “The set of skills needed to find,
retrieve, analyze, and use information.“ (ACRL, 2006)
"To be information literate, a person must be able to recognise when information is needed and have the ability to locate, evaluate, and use effectively the needed information." (American Library Association, 1998)
"Information literacy is an understanding and set of abilities enabling individuals to 'recognise when information is needed and have the capacity to locate, evaluate, and use effectively the needed information'." (CAUL, 2004)
Information literacy is knowing when and why you need information, where to find it, and how to evaluate, use and communicate it in an ethical manner.(CILIP)
IL potentially involves, inter alia Learning outcomes
and frameworks Access, Locate,
Evaluate Critical thinking Ethics, Referencing,
Copyright, Plagiarism – turnitin
Ethos – INTEGRATED approach throughout library functions
Moving towards ‘corporate literacy’
Expertise Multiple formats Accreditation Embedding Blended learning Uncertainty Core library
competency
Why do we need IL
“ .. skills of critical thinking, research and evaluation are
increasingly required to make sense of the world”.
(Horizon Report, UK, 2007)
“ .. skills of critical thinking, research and evaluation are
increasingly required to make sense of the world”.
(Horizon Report, UK, 2007)
Why do we need to do IL Relevance General literacy skill levels poor Information overload, data smog,
information anxiety – Google generation. information=web
Transferable skills, employable skills Information literate citizens User-created content – “cult of the
amateur” – needed more than ever – evaluation and critical thinking skills
IL activity Literature - widespread Topical - “Information literacy is
receiving increasing attention worldwide” (Webber, 2007)
“cause” (Hollister, 2007) Core feature of what libraries do Design, write and deliver programmes Pilots / Academic champions Online tutorials / VLEs / 1-2-1 /
classroom style etc./ Drop-in’s
Some challenges Web 2.0 – “carve out their own
information landscapes” (Godwin, 2007)
Semesterisation Internationalisation Technology – e.g.VLE’s MetaSearching Library Staff Academic Staff
Issues Expectations Integration Compulsion Pedagogy, teaching skills Literacy – poor skills, post 2nd level Assessment / accreditation Role definition, payment Sole property of librarians?
Working Group on Information Literacy (WGIL)
Raison d’etre Terms of reference of the group Composition of the group Work to date Where we are at the moment
Part IIPart II
Why is there a WGIL? LAI AGM proposed by Exec. board
Recognition of importance of IL in independent learning, as a transferable skill, to lifelong learning etc.
Established Jan. 2006
“that this AGM calls ..adopt a standard for Information skills; lobby to ensure government is made aware of the need for and the value of Information skills; lobby government to recognise and affirm the role of Libraries in the delivery of maintenance of Information skills”
“that this AGM calls ..adopt a standard for Information skills; lobby to ensure government is made aware of the need for and the value of Information skills; lobby government to recognise and affirm the role of Libraries in the delivery of maintenance of Information skills”
WGIL Call to all sectors. Open to LAI members Membership (10) – Academic & Special,
Schools, Public, Health, University, DepLIS – UCD. Practitioners
Cross-sectoral key objective. Recognise Diversity, common goal. An LAI group
Establish role – “to recommend strategies for the development of information skills at both a theoretical and practical level in LIS sector in Ireland”.
Role cont. Generate recommendations Examine international best
practice and standards Produce sectoral-based report
based on current IL activity Raise awareness, heighten
profile ADVOCACY Seminar / Conference
Terms of reference To recommend appropriate guidelines
for the practical development of information skills education
..strategies for promoting and raising awareness
..further development opportunities for research and action
..actions for strategic positioning of information skills in context of lifelong learning on government agenda
Work to date Met quarterly (7) Finalised membership of group and
clarified objectives Reviewed definitions – recommend
adoption of CILIP (2004) as a working definition
Reviewed standards for developing programmes. Recommend adoption of ANZIIL IL framework (2004)
Practicality and flexibility
Dissemination and advocacy Presentation to Exec Board LAI Sought formal recognition from LAI LAI website content e-Leabharlann Attendance at IL seminar DCU (2006) Attendance at LILAC (2007) Manchester,
UK – present at 2008? Presentation from Ellen Breen (DCU) on
behalf of CONUL Article on SCONUL Focus (in press) NDLR – ANTLC - InfoTeach wiki - RLO’s
Where from now Guidelines and template established for
sectoral report – work ongoing National seminar (LAI / CONUL?) Develop database of relevant IL
stakeholders Continued advocacy and awareness raising Full group status; affiliate to UK and
International Groups, CONUL Support for further research Formally present report /
recommendations end of 2007
Some further research … CONUL Information Literacy section CILIP IL sub-group (CSG) IFLA IL Resources Directory SCONUL on IL SCONUL Seven Pillars IL website (UK groups) American Library Association on IL Australian & New Zealand Institute for Informa
tion Literacy (ANZIIL) JISC i-Skills
More Journal of Information Literacy Communications in Information Literacy LILAC (UK) Michael Lorenzen Blog Peter Godwin Blog Information Literacy Weblog Susie Andretta, Bill & Sheila Weber,
Christina Bruce, Peter Godwin, Ross Todd.
Library and Information Update LIFESTEPS
Also worth a look:
(Online) journals, conferences, blogs,authors
Also worth a look:
(Online) journals, conferences, blogs,authors
Thank you for your attention
THE BOOK
“Information literacy isn't just about finding information; it is a true catalyst
for educational change. It enables independent lifelong learning”
(From Information Literacy : recognising the need, Conference Proceedings.
‘Recognising the need’ -Walton & Pope (Chandos,
2006)
Terry O’Brien,Deputy
LibrarianLuke
Wadding Library
WIT Libraries051-302845
Terry O’Brien,Deputy
LibrarianLuke
Wadding Library
WIT Libraries051-302845
