Information literacy
Information literacy (IL) is the ability to find, evaluate, and use information effectively. You may like to read the Association of College & Research Libraries (ACRL) Introduction to Information Literacy for a more detailed explanation. The role of the library in promoting information literacy is set out in the UNE University Library Information Literacy Guidelines.
Why should I care?
Information literacy has been identified as an essential attribute of a UNE Graduate. IL skills are essential if students are to become effective learners. Without these skills, students will find it difficult to compete in the employment marketplace.
The University Library is working to provide IL training for students in a number of ways. We need your help to integrate IL into the curriculum on a course by course basis if students are to attain good IL in a relatively painless manner.
Support programs for staff
Each Faculty has a Faculty Librarian, who can provide training on demand to academic staff, either on a one-to-one basis or in groups. In addition, they can work with you to ensure the effective integration of IL training into your teaching program. Librarians are also available to assist you in choosing the appropriate electronic resources to support your distance and face-to-face teaching.
You can also choose to attend Advanced Skills for Researchers training. For more details, the timetable and online booking forms click here. You can also try eSKILLS Plus, an online alternative for most of the hands-on sessions.
Support programs for students
eSKILLS UNE offers a Web-based information literacy training package for students. Please refer your students to this resource. The package follows a structure provided by the Australian and New Zealand Information Literacy Framework: Principles, Standards and Practice, 2nd edn.
eSKILLS Plus is a similar online package, but is designed to be used by your postgraduate students. Advanced Skills for Researchers are hands-on sessions to match eSKILLS Plus.
During intensive schools, staff from the University Library will provide customised library skills training for your students. Please discuss your students' requirements with your Faculty Librarian.
Further information
The ACRL provides a site on Information Literacy for Faculty that includes model programs.
The University of Otago Information Literacy Guide provides a briefer treatment of the task of building IL skills, course by course, within a degree.