A background to Information Literacy at the University of Otago

Here are some links to papers that present a background to Information Literacy at the University of Otago.

Hegerty, Bronwyn et al(2007) Final Online Information Literacy project report

Proctor, Lesley and Wartho, Ricard M (2004) Embedding information literacy in the sociology program at the University of Otago Australian Academic and Research Libraries, 36, 153-168

Wartho, Richard M. (2004) The Three Tiers of Information Literacy: A model for developing lifelong learning at a tertiary institution. Paper prepared for the International Lifelong Learning Conference, Yeppoon, Australia, 13-16 June 2004.

Turner, Kat and Fisher, Thelma (2002) A Collaborative Quest - Building Information Literacy Initiatives at the University of Otago. Paper prepared for TTA Information Literacy Sub-Committee Seminar, Rotorua, 26-27 September 2002.

Wooliscroft, Michael J. (1997) From Library User Education to Information Literacy: some issues arising in this evolutionary process Paper prepared for COMLA Workshops, Gabarone, Botswana, July 1997.

Boolify

Need a tool to jazz up teaching Boolean algorithmic search strategies?

Then try Boolify: refer http://www.boolify.org/

Boolify aims to make it easier for students to understand their search by illustrating the logic of their search, and then showing them how each change to their search instantly changes their results.

The help section explains how complex statements can be built.

The Research cycle

This year i've been starting each research skills workshops by displaying this model of the research cycle.

I'm asking the participants to reflect upon the research process in stages and to consider where they need to specifically develop their skills.

I then encourage them to set a learning goal for the session based on which skill(s) they wish to develop. These are shared with the group and throgh the session I make sure that I specifically address each goal.

I often go back to the model throughout the session. Near the end of the session we reconsider each goal to see if these have been met. If, for what ever reason, they have not been met then new learning goals and strategies are set to be worked on beyond the workshop. So far the feedback has been nothing but positive.

The model and process is adapted from the work of Lesley Ngatai featured in her article, "Beyond Searching: Information Literacy for Postgraduate Engineering".

Erika Pearson has suggested that I develop this model further by applying hypertext links at each stage to then link to a variety of tools and resources.

So, really it's a work in progress. Any comments or ideas would be welcomed.