Research 101 - new Libguide for teaching academic research

Sheila Webber reports University Libraries, University of Washington have produced a Libguide Research 101, based around the new ACRL Framework for Information Literacy. Although still a work in progress the guide includes tutorials, assignments and assesments focused on introducing students to academic research.  Read more and check out the guide here.

Paul Gray, Scottish Government Library

Digital Participation Framework

The Scottish Government has just launched a new strategy outlining how digital technology can be used to tackle inequalities and benefit communities across the country

The National Digital Participation Framework for Local Action maps out how helping people to get online and become confident users of the internet can open up new possibilities in healthcare, education and economic development. It also details how anyone can access support and training on digital skills at home, at work and in communities.

The press release very much focuses on the voluntary sector although there seems to be a role for libraries here.

The press release can be found at http://news.scotland.gov.uk/News/Strategy-maps-out-net-gains-bc8.aspx

The National Digital Participation Framework for Local Action can be found at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2014/04/6821

The executive summary says:

The National Framework for Local Action sets out how Scottish Government is working in partnership with public, private and third sector organisations to ensure that all sections of Scottish society are able to make confident use of digital technologies and the internet. The document makes it clear that digital technology cannot be allowed to reinforce social and economic inequalities. Actions will remove barriers to digital participation, tackle inequalities, help people to engage with online public services and provide opportunities to develop skills required for active digital citizens. The approach is based on a national collaborative movement with those organisations and agencies closest to the people who need help to get online.

Libraries are only briefly mentioned and the RSE’s recently published study is referred to and there are rather a lot of case studies. It will be interesting to see where this goes

There is a parallel UK document and the Society of Chief Librarians appears as a partner so presumably they are on the case.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/government-digital-inclusion-strategy/uk-digital-inclusion-charter

John Crawford

Open University: Being digital and the Digital and information Literacy (DIL) framework

Congratulations to the Open University this year’s Credo Digital Award winner at LILAC with their Digital and Information Literacy (DIL) framework & Being digital site. 

These two freely-available resources cover the following:

The DIL framework builds on the OU’s existing information literacy levels framework and adds communication, sharing, collaboration and creation of new information. The accompanying DIL framework facilitation cards can be used at meetings and workshops to enable discussions about the integration of these skills at different levels of study. They cover the following DIL skills areas:

• Understand and engage in digital practices
• Find information
• Critically evaluate information, online interactions and online tools
• Manage and communicate information
• Collaborate and share digital information

 Both the framework and the facilitation cards are licensed under Creative Commons. The Information Literacy team hopes you will find these useful in your own teaching environments. The OU would welcome any feedback on how you’re using them, and examples.

The Being digital site comprises a variety of bite-size interactive learning objects on finding, using and sharing information online.  Open-source software was used to create many of the resources. They cover topics such as:

• Presenting yourself to best advantage online and managing your digital identity
• Making the most of online networks
• Knowing who and what to trust online
• Using Wikipedia
• Evaluating and using online tools
• Searching effectively

The aim is to help learners become confident and critical users of digital tools and resources in any situation. Each learning activity takes no longer than 10 minutes to complete and can be used very flexibly. Learners can select individual activities by browsing an A-Z list or follow a specific pathway to gain a deeper understanding of a topic.

Resources will soon be available with Creative Commons licences attached.

Thanks to Nancy Graham at the University of Birmingham for circulating the above information through LIS-INFOLITERACY@JISCMAIL