The seven headline skills expanded

09 Oct 09

Edith Speller

I regularly refer to this; it's a good way to explain what library skills training is all about to academics.

work information literacy skills usered

25 Jul 09

Brenda Rosenthal

information_literacy

03 Mar 09

Megan Kime

Pillar 4. The ability to locate and access information

Once you have identified the most appropriate information resources to use, and strategies to get the best out of them, then you need to have the knowledge and skills to access the information resource and extract the information. This may involve developing associated skills, such as the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) and related academic literacies such as note-taking. Someone who is proficient in this Pillar will be fluent in different kinds of search technique: for example understanding the best way to develop a search in a relevance ranked search engine, or one using Boolean logic.

You will also know that different kinds of information resource are useful at different stages of the search: for example, that abstracting services and citation searches can provide an effective way to identify key references. Building on the awareness of relevant resources developed through Pillar 3, you will feel confident about accessing and using all the resources appropriate to your information need. This Pillar does not just cover search activities. It also involves being proficient in acquiring information in any appropriate way e.g. effective web browsing, or using services such as RSS feeds to provide ongoing information on the relevant topic.
Pillar 5. The ability to compare and evaluate information obtained from different sources

Information is not necessarily neutral: different kinds of information resource, author and publisher will provide different perspectives. Which perspective is the right one for you will depend on the nature of the information need. What is important is to be able to evaluate the piece of information in front of you carefully and critically in relation to that need. To do this, you will need some knowledge about the way the media operate, and certain processes which are particularly important in the academic context, such as peer review of scholarly articles.

With some forms of information (e.g. numeric or chemical) skill and knowledge in manipulating data using specialist software may be needed in order to evaluate and compare.
2 more annotations...
- 6. The ability to organise, apply and communicate information to others in ways appropriate
  
  Information is usually obtained for a purpose, and very often this purpose involves communication and sharing. In the academic context, this may involve communicating with tutors and fellow students: in the workplace and personal context it may involve managers, clients, family, or the public. The medium used will also vary, for example in writing, face to face, on the web, or via email. An information literate person will be able to communicate information Seffectively using the medium appropriate to the task.
  
  In some contexts, for example research projects and theses, being able to organise the information for easy retrieval and communication will be important. This may involve understanding the use of bibliographic software and other personal information management tools.
  
  In all circumstances, understanding how to use information ethically and legally is vital. Through this Pillar, you will understand the basics of intellectual property rights and law, and be able to use and cite information appropriately.
  
  Finally, this Pillar encompasses knowing about the application of information in different situations and for different purposes: for example in problem solving and decision making.
- Pillar 7. The ability to synthesise and build upon existing information, contributing to the creation of new knowledge
  
  Someone who is adept in the seventh Pillar will be able to identify, select, compare and analyse needed information to produce a synthesis which provides a new perspective, and which may enable the creation of new knowledge. For example: you might produce a critical business report building on and analysing existing information to produce fresh insights and forecasts; you may create a website which links to and synthesises other information, but includes new content to present a unique product.

27 Feb 09

tash project

[Note from Karen: Not very useful for students] Original descriptor: SCONUL site on IL - link from Getting started >Key everyday skills >Library and Information Literacy Skills [skill page]?

RevisedbyKaren informationliteracy Willy WwS_Bibliography - InfoLit

14 Oct 08