Maddison - The information literacy challenge in public libraries in Wales (candidate logbook level 2)

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Agored

Unit CCZ142: Information Literacy Level 2

Candidate Logbook

Candidate Name: GINA MADDISON

Candidate Number:

Centre: LLANDRILLO

Start Date:

Finish Date:

Assessor: IAN RENNIE

Summary In order to successfully complete this Unit, the candidate must carry out the specified practical tasks relating to Outcomes 1, 2, 3 and 4. The tutor/assessor should fill in the topic and the date of completion against each search in the table below.

Search Topic Completion Date

Complex Search Reading Services for people with a visual impairment

I certify that all the work detailed in this logbook has been carried out unaided by the candidate named above. Signed:…………………………………………………………. Date:…………………….

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The assessor should fill in the date of completion against each task in the table below.

Completion Date

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Assessment Criteria

The learner will: The learner can:

1. Understand the preparation necessary when choosing information to meet a specific purpose

a Clarify information already known using mind-mapping, brainstorming or another technique.

b Produce an action plan including tasks, steps, locations and timelines for how the information is to be gathered and the criteria used to judge it

c Explain your chosen approach and identify possible problems.

2.1 2.4 2.5

2.

Understand the advantages and limitations of a range of information sources.

a Identify how to obtain relevant information from four different sources including multiple key words relevant to the research question. Describe how to use tools within sources to locate information

b

Compare the benefits and limitations of each type of information source.

1.1, 1.2, 2.2, 2.3 1.3

3.

Know how to gather required information and assess its relevance.

a Search the chosen sources (using a range of strategies) to find relevant information on the topic in a range of formats including electronic and non-ICT sources.

b Assess how well information returned meets the criteria set in 1b.

c Describe how the information search/gathering could be improved or refined giving suggested amendments and reasons for change

3.1, 3.2 3.3 3.4

4.

Be able to communicate information gained according to purpose and audience.

a Select, sort and combine information, ideas and data from different sources in a summarised format, using references to show where information was found and direct quotes when needed.

b Communicate findings in the most appropriate format for the audience and purpose (collate and label/reference the information provided for the user).

4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4

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COMPLEX SEARCH Outcome 1: Understand the preparation necessary when choosing information to meet a specific purpose You must complete ALL sections to obtain a pass in Outcome 1 For outcome 1 you will need to do the following:

a. Clarify information already known using mind-mapping, brainstorming or another technique.

b. Produce an action plan including tasks, steps, locations and timelines for how the information is to be gathered and the criteria used to judge it

c. Explain your chosen approach and identify possible problems.

1a Clarify information already known using mind-mapping, brainstorming or another technique

Task Questions asked Information gained

Clarify information known (What does the user already know about the topic, what information have they found already)

A tutor in Independent Living Skills asked me to research what reading services were available for people with a visual impairment. I was particularly interested in this topic as my father in law had just developed cataracts

.As with the tutor, my knowledge did not really extend past knowledge of Braille services. The tutor explained that there were many forms of visual impairment and she needed to widen her knowledge on all the services available.

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Questions in white boxes apply to all enquiries. The shaded questions will depend on the nature of the enquiry (use NA if not applicable).

1b Produce an action plan including tasks, steps, locations and timelines for how the information is to be gathered and the criteria used to judge it

Information gained

Deadline

I asked if there was a deadline but the enquiry was for general interest only.

Quantity of information

The tutor has very little knowledge of the resources and asked for knowledge of whatever was available.

Purpose

General breadth and depth of knowledge although it was also important for her client base.

Level

No level was specified. The tutor thought that some students might have difficulty with extremely complex applications, and I knew that my father in law would also struggle as he was 90 years old.

Support

The tutor did not have time to deal with the enquiry herself. However, she explained that some of her students would require high levels of support ion dealing with this enquiry.

Who?

NA

What?

The enquiry deals with reader support service applications for students (or older people) with a visual impairment.

When?

The information needed to be current as the technology changes so quickly. It would be no good looking at outdated sources of information, but some visually impaired readers do prefer Braille books and reader services.

Where?

There were no geographical limits to the search although some, egg reader services, might needed to be locally situated.

Why?

NA

How?

NA although information on training available for applications could have been relevant.

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1c Explain your chosen approach and identify possible problems.

Your approach Possible problems

Identify your approach ie which four information sources (search tools not end resources) are you going to search and why? Information sources selected will be evaluated below Searchable Catalogue ATHENS – access to E resources Colleague knowledge RNIB website with links

I could see that any hard copy books might be quickly dated.

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Outcome 2: Understand the advantages and limitations of a range of information sources. You must complete ALL sections to obtain a pass in Outcome 2 For outcome 2 you will need to do the following:

a. Identify how to obtain relevant information from four different sources including multiple key words relevant to the research question. Describe how to use tools within sources to locate information

b. Compare the benefits and limitations of each type of information source.

2a Identify how to obtain relevant information from four different sources including multiple key words relevant to the research question. Describe how to use tools within sources to locate information

Information source (eg people, books, journals, audio visual, electronic)

Search terms and tools

Information Source (1):

Colleague with specialist knowledge. Grwp Llandrillo Menai teaches a Foundation Degree in Assistive Technology. I approached a tutor for her advice.


Searchable Library Catalogue, widened to include the resources of Linc y Gogledd. I was looking for recently published books, using search terms focusing on Visual impairment and Reading.


The RNIB website contains authoritative links including information on training workshops and a bibliography of useful material and downloadable guides.


ATHENS – I searched for magazine, journal and newspaper articles. Again I used the search terms Visual Impairment and Reading Services.

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Make a copy of the following table for each of the four resources identified above

2b Compare the benefits and limitations of each type of information source.

Task - Colleague

Benefits Limitations

Currency (how up to date)

My colleague gave me a copy of the prospects for the Foundation Degree in Assistive Technology and was able to suggest suitable search terms and useful websites.

She said it was only one aspect of the range she taught, and was not sure if she updated her knowledge often enough.

Accuracy (how accurate)

I was satisfied that the information she gave me was accurate as it was her specialist subject.

Again this was limited to what she knew.

Authority (who is the author)

The knowledge was based on the syllabus for the FD in Assistive Technology.

Possibly limited to the syllabus taught at Grwp Llandrillo Menai.

Sufficiency (how much information)

The tutor was asked how much information she required, and how she wanted it; she said print outs were sufficient. My father in law requested information on traditional services only.

The professional colleague had less information on traditional reader services as her specialist knowledge was in Assistive Technology. Her knowledge of this was wide and she did know where to signpost the query.

Relevance (how appropriate)

The information given was very relevant and up to date.

Again, my colleague said she had limited knowledge of more traditional applications but suggested that I approach Conwy Voluntary Services Council, as they offered a Volunteer reading service to people with a Visual Impairment, and the Conwy Library Service books on CD/cassette service, books in Braille and moon, and Large Print. There was also a housebound Service available via the WRVS and the Public Library Service.

Bias (How impartial)

Bias was not an issue. The tutor advised me in a professional manner.

NA

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Task – Searchable Catalogue

Benefits Limitations


I was able to search the catalogue of Grwp Llandrillo Menai and all the catalogues available through Linc y Gogledd.

I didn’t do an all Wales search through library.wales.org although this would have been useful, and I thought I should have searched some health library sites.


The majority of the books I found were dated. Some contained useful general information on types of visual impairment. The information on Braille was useful as this does not date.

The information contained in many of the books may now be of limited use.


The majority of the books were authored by the RNIB. Again, they were date limited.


A lot of information was given in the books, but mainly of a background type – understanding types of visual impairment.

Less was available on applications to support reading.


Relevant to understanding the different types of visual impairment

Not relevant in practical terms.


As they were authored by reputable organisations and professional people, the information was not biased, eg not commercially driven.

NA

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Task – RNIB Benefits Limitations


The website displayed regular updating. None that I could see.


My colleague commented that this was the most authoritative website, with links to other good websites, eg Share the Vision and Vision2020.

None that I could see unless someone’s access is limited. Much of the information on it is available in other formats.


Authored by the RNIB, the acknowledged experts in this field.

The information was sufficient for my purposes.


I focused on Reader Services and found dedicated pages, including more traditional methods, eg Braille, books on CD, and Giant Print.

None – the links were also very useful.


By searching the website with keywords, I found pages dedicated to Reading Services and offers of relevant training where ICT applications were involved. I also looked at their library service and was able to search their catalogue.

None.


Bias did not seem to be an issue – the RNIB seems to be a charity with no particular commercial interest.

NA – I did compare it with other websites.

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Task – Athens Benefits Limitations


Within ATHENS I searched Infotrac and Newsbank, limiting the search at the last five years, and omitting the term’blind’. However, many more articles came up when I used the term ‘blind’.

I was limited to what databases are available on ATHENS – in a health library, for example, I’d have a wider range. I did however find some interesting articles.


A great many hits came up. I focused on those which were not commercially driven, and authored by reputable organisations.

The search tends to throw up articles which seem unrelated, but narrowing the search terms filters out some useful articles.


A variety of authors were fund. I again I checked their credentials as given by the article. All the newspapers I consulted had good/reasonable reputations.

It was not always possible to check their credentials.


The information was more than sufficient – in fact there was too much. I filtered out many articles.

There could be some geographic limitations – many of the articles were published in the USA and could possibly be of less relevance. Infotrac gave me more access to local and national newspapers in the UK.


The search terms threw up many more general articles and I needed to filter these out.

As above.


I focused on articles written by authoritative organisations. I was attempting to avoid commercially driven articles.

I did realise that some of the commercial articles could contain useful information.

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Outcome 3. Understand how to gather required information and assess its relevance.

You must complete ALL sections to obtain a pass in Outcome 3. For outcome 3 you will need to do the following:

a. 1 Search the chosen sources (using a range of strategies) to find relevant information on the topic in a range of formats including electronic and non-ICT sources.

b. Assess how well information returned meets the criteria set in 1b

c. 3.3

Describe how the information search/gathering could be improved or refined giving suggested amendments and reasons for change

3a Search the chosen sources (using a range of strategies) to find relevant information on the topic in a range of formats including electronic and non-ICT sources.

Information sources (resource not search tool) in at least 2 different

formats (one of which must be online)

How and why was this source selected?

Identify suitable information source (1) COLLEAGUE

I consulted a colleague who taught the Foundation Degree in Assistive Technology at the College. This colleague also informed me of some local services, eg the personal reading service provided by Conwy Voluntary Services Council.

Identify suitable information source ( 2) BOOKS VIA SEARCHABLE CATALOGUE

The searchable catalogue, widened to Linc y Gogledd. I found two books at the Rhos sites, and several at other sites. I used the search terms visual impairment, reading, assistive technology. I founhd some books in stock with useful general background information – eg types of impairment – but dated in other respects. I would also consult ww.library.wales.org.uk and the British Library. I also searched the RNIB online library.

Identify suitable information source (3) SPECIALIST WEBSITES

The RNIB website was an excellent source. It had authoritative links and a bibliography and a search engine which enable me to search the site. It contained details of training events eg Switch onto Technology Month, and a searchable library catalogue. I also downloaded 6 very useful PDF guides on reading services for people with a visual impairment. I found it easily using Google and RNIB, but it also linked me to sites I hadn’t known of, eg Action for Blind People.

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Identify suitable information source ( 4) NEWSPAPER AND JOURNAL ARTICLES

I used ATHENS and searched the resources of Infotrac and Newsbank. I had to vary my search terms considerably and narrow them down – I got a huge range of hits, not all of which were relevant.

You can attach screenshots, search results, reading lists etc to your logbook

3b Assess how well information returned meets the evaluation criteria set in 1b

Criteria How well did the information gained meet this criteria (state NA if that criteria is not applicable

Deadline

NA

Information overload

I had a great deal of information and it was necessary to filter out that which was too general, of little geographic use, outdated etc.

Purpose

I found information on local services – the library service, the volunteer service etc. I found useful general information on ICT applications and extremelt useful factsheets and training advice. I found national information, eg the RNIB library service (Braille, giant Print, Audio Books) which is available to anyone. The information I found gave the tutor everything she needed.

Support

This was done by myself, but I showed the tutor how to use the catalogue and some of the authoritative website. I spent a couple of hours researching this enquiry.

Who?

NA

What?

The RNIB website gave me the best general information. Websites for Conwy Council and Conwy Voluntary Services council provided the best local information.

When?

I did find information on local training events coming up. I was careful to look for up to date information.

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Where?

I did find information on local training events.

Why?

NA

How?

NA – although the training events and factsheets had useful information on how to use reader devices, and where to go for further support.

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3c Describe how the information search/gathering could be improved or refined giving suggested amendments and reasons for change

Your approach Suggested amendments (and why)

What issues did you identify when searching for the information I knew that I needed to look for current information. There is a great deal of outdated information on this topic, especially in books. On the other hand, I did not rule out more traditional methods of reader services, eg personal readers, books on CD/cassette, books in Braille, as these are quite often preferred by older readers. I was looking for general information, eg ICT applications, but also local information, eg public library services, volunteer services. The main issue was that the tutor had limited knowledge of what she wanted, and my father in law said he did not want any ‘modern’ applications; he was interested only in traditional applications such as Large Print, Audio books etc.

There can be an information overload when searching for this topic. Searching Google brings up all sorts of commercial services. I would have had a more organised search strategy, eg filtering by date. I also had to vary my search terms considerably. I was surprised that the term ‘blind’ brought up more hits than ‘visual impairment’. I also had to vary the term ‘reader services’, ‘reading services’, ‘reading’ etc., and also all the variants with ‘book’. I could also have used the Advanced Search option, and filtered by file type. Although I searched the library catalogue and Linc y Gogledd, I could have widened the search to library.wales.org. I could also have used the Advanced Search option in Linc y Gogledd.

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Outcome 4. Be able to communicate information gained according to purpose and audience You must complete ALL sections to obtain a pass in Outcome 4.

a. Select, sort and combine information, ideas and data from different sources in a summarised format, using references to show where information was found and direct quotes when needed.

b. Communicate findings in the most appropriate format for the audience and purpose (collate and label/reference the information provided for the user).

4a Select, sort and combine information, ideas and data from different sources in a summarised format, using references to show where information was found and direct quotes when needed.

Information Citation/Reference

RNIB dedicated Reader Services pages, including downloadable fact sheets and training opportunities

http://www.rnib.org.uk/livingwithsightloss/reading/news/Pages/greatnewbooks.aspx (Accessed December 2012)

Other useful websites were Share the Vision and Vision 2020

Information on updates in Braille Services – article accessed using electronic source Newsbank. Of general information.

Product Development Technologies Joins Forces with Perkins Products on Braille Writer. Entertainment Close-up, 27 July 2012. Retrieved December 21st 2012 from NewsBank on-line database (Access Wales & UK Newspapers).

A local talking newspaper is available for the visually impaired.

http://www.volunteering-wales.net/opportunitysearchresults.html?s=1&page=6 Accessed via Conwy Voluntary Services Council November 2012

http://www.rnib.org.uk/livingwithsightloss/reading/news/Pages/greatnewbooks.aspx

http://www.volunteering-wales.net/opportunitysearchresults.html?s=1&page=6

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Conwy Library Service Home Service. There is also a Mobile Service, Large Print books, audiobooks, captioned DVDs, MP3 downloads, Braille books, and e books.

Accessed via Conwy Council’s websitehttp://www.volunteering-wales.net/opportunitysearchresults.html?s=1&page=6. This information is also

available in CD/leaflet form.

Attach a copy of your results for presentation to the user

4b Communicate findings in the most appropriate format for the audience and purpose (collate and label/reference the information provided for the user).

In what format did you present the information and why? As I had a large amount of information, I presented it in a short report format. I included print offs (eg the PDF guides on the RNIB website), web addresses, catalogue print offs and a bibliography. I bound the information into a report file. I also created a E folder and bookmarked the most useful and informative websites. I saved documents (eg the factsheets) into an electronic folder. I also fed back the results of my search verbally and answered some questions. It was suggested that the information on websites was put into a shared drive, eg delicious.com. On the whole I found that book resources were outdated due to the constant updating of technology, but were useful for general background information.

Documents

Maddison - The information literacy challenge in public libraries in Wales (candidate logbook level 2)