The idea of information literacy is not new but the time now seems ripe to raise its profile.  Outside the University information literacy is a huge issue and the University’s emphasis upon e-learning and employability makes it an essential focus.

• External impetus
• Internal impetus

External impetus

The massive increase in information available world wide is a huge imperative.  In Student learning in the information age (1998) Breivik reports that the sum of all human knowledge will double every 73 days by 2020.

Our access to that information and the gradual shift from a manufacturing industry to an information-based economy makes Information Literacy an imperative.  The Government’s agenda is clear.  Without an acceptable level of information literacy, knowledge and information processes and flows will be inefficient and ineffective.

And finally there is the global agenda to consider, empowering individuals and promoting social inclusion.  

In 2003 this was emphasised in the UNESCO sponsored Prague Declaration “Towards an Information Literate Society”.  One of the basic principles enshrined in this document states,

“The creation of an Information Society is key to social, cultural and economic development of nations and communities, institutions and individuals in the 21st century and beyond.”

To see this in more detail you can view a PDF document of the Prague Declaration.
(http://www.nclis.gov/libinter/infolitconf&meet/post-infolitconf&meet/PragueDeclaration.pdf)

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Internal impetus

e-learning

Within Staffordshire University e-learning has become an increasing part of our agenda.  Not only the formal learning that takes place in classes and through VLEs, but all the material that students engage with informally via the internet, television and so on.  

We must provide them with the skills necessary to evaluate all this information as there is growing evidence that students do not use the internet effectively.

Employability

Our employability policy has been operating for several years and PDP is now in place.  Students are required to formally record their learning experience and show evidence of progression and higher learning.  

Information literacy should be a key attribute of all Staffordshire University award holders and it can help students to on their learning and contribute towards their future employability. 

For more information see the Staffordshire University Employability Policy
(PDF, Filesize: 60 Kb).

Learning outcomes and benchmarking

The Undergradaute Modular Framework (UMF) and the tracking of learning outcomes to match benchmarking statements made by the QAA have encouraged the University to focus on Information Literacy.  Now, more than ever we need to ensure that these skills are learnt by all our students.

From an Information Services perspective we see this as an opportunity to work collaboratively with academic staff on an issue that really matters to us all. 

Information Literacy is now included within the Learning Outcome 'Enquiry':
View: Enquiry Learning Outcomes revised text
(PDF document) 

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