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Information Skills

Information skills - what are they?

SCONUL has identified seven key information skills:

1. Recognise the information need - what do I need to find out?
2. Distinguish ways of addressing gap - how do I go about finding out, choosing suitable sources, print/Internet
3. Construct strategies for locating - search databases/Internet using defined search strategy, keyword, and/or e.g. Boolean searching, library web pages, catalogue, reference section (print sources)
4. Locate and access - finding information in the library catalogue and other catalogues, databases, getting hold of it, e.g. electronic journals available immediately, finding books on shelf, inter-library loan
5. Compare and evaluate - how accurate is the information, does it come from a reliable, authoritative source? Is it peer-reviewed? How can I evaluate it?
6. Organise, apply and communicate - use of the information in writing essays, citing references correctly, avoiding plagiarism, applying one’s own analysis and presenting the information, keeping records and bibliographical references
7. Synthesise and create - using current awareness services, regular database searches, contributing to the knowledge base by publishing own papers.

Information skills strategy

We are currently implementing an Information skills strategy for students and staff. It focuses on embedding information skills within programmes so that students have to attend sessions as part of their course. This approach developed from the paper Information skills - towards a strategy which was endorsed by Academic Board in 2005.

Recommendations of the strategy 2008/9

• Programme Leaders work with Academic Subject Librarians to draw up an implementation plan in each programme for information literacy skills development to be ‘embedded’ in the most appropriate manner and these plans be rolled out from September 2008 onwards.
• Programme Leaders identify a contact person for each programme to work with their Academic Subject Librarian to effect necessary information skills operations.
• Subject Heads work with Academic Subject Librarians to review and update the Information Literacy Framework to reflect changes in student needs, electronic opportunities and discipline and professional requirements.
• Faculties to commit to an annual subject based workshop to ensure academic staff update their own information skills and knowledge in the ever changing information environment.
• Require all new or re-validating programmes to clearly articulate where their information skills are embedded.