An Information Literacy Strategy for Wales

A couple of weeks ago (November 30^th- 1st December) I attended an invitation only conference in Wales on the theme of ‘An Information Literacy Strategy for Wales?’  which was held at the attractively situated if geographically inconvenient University of Wales conference centre at Gregynog House.

All LIS sectors and Welsh education were represented and I was particularly impressed by the willingness of all sectors to work together and learn from each other.

The initial presentations were devoted to reviewing the various sectors and the familiar theme emerged of pockets of excellent good practice which were not being supported by an overarching strategy. I spoke about the work of the Scottish Information Literacy Project and the lessons which Wales can learn from it. After dinner there were sectoral discussion groups and I joined the public librarians and was impressed by their grasp of the role which public libraries can play in informal learning and the good work they are already doing.

The following morning Gareth Evans from Caerphilly Public Library spoke about the work he has been doing with the Open College network which could well be replicated elsewhere.

The conference concluded with a list of action points which included:

• The production of an overview/vision statement (urgent)


• The development of a strategy and Framework


• Making cross sectoral/partnership contacts including outside the LIS sector


• Developing a National Forum for Information Literacy in Wales


• Appointing an Information Literacy Development Officer for Wales


• Accrediting library staff information literacy training skills


• Include IL concepts in teacher training


• School librarian posts should be a statutory responsibility


• Pursue media literacy issues through Ofcom

However if these objectives are to be achieved funding will be a key requirement

Writing research proposals

Something of interest from the Library and Information Research Group (CILIP) which I as a member of  the committee am invovled in the Scottish workshops and thought some of you may be interested in.

Are you interested in doing some research?

Would you like to improve your success rate for your research proposals?

Do you have a great idea but do not know how to turn this into funding? … then the Library & Information Research Group have two seminars to help you. How to write a successful research proposal: secrets of success .  

Session 1 - The first half-day seminar consists of presentations by successful library and information researchers in the art of writing a successful research proposal. Providing ideas and tips in:

• writing research proposals and experiences of actually conducting the research

• using research as evidence to support your own library / service development - in benchmarking etc,

• how to use research in your library / service to contribute to the wider profession, by publishing the results in the library journals etc.

Who should attend: Practitioners, students and academics. It is particularly suitable for those who have never submitted a research proposal and/or those who are interested in submitting proposals for the forthcoming LIRG funding awards.

Duration: 3 hours Cost: £25 members of LIRG or CDG Scotland; £50 non-members.

Locations and dates:

Glasgow: 8 January 2010, 10am – 1pm Strathclyde University, 26 Richmond Street, Glasgow. This session will be held in conjunction with the Career Development Group Scotland and is eligible for the CILIP Seal of Recognition.

Birmingham: 15 January 2010, Birmingham Central Library (1pm-4pm)

London: 12 January 2010, University of East London, Docklands Campus (10am-1pm) How to write a successful research proposal: proposal workshop -

 

Session 2 - This second session is a half day workshop offering participants an opportunity to:

• discuss sample proposals

• contribute a proposal of their own for workshop discussion

• network and discuss experiences.

Who should attend: Practitioners, students and academics. It is particularly suitable for those who have never submitted a research proposal and/or those who are interested in submitting proposals for future LIRG funding awards.

Duration: 3 hours Cost: £25 members of LIRG or CDG Scotland; £50 non-members.

Locations and dates:

Glasgow: 29 January 2010, 10am – 1pm Strathclyde University, 26 Richmond Street, Glasgow. This session will be held in conjunction with the Career Development Group Scotland and is eligible for the CILIP Seal of Recognition.

Birmingham: 29 January 2010, Birmingham Central Library (10am – 1pm)

London: 26 January 2010, University of East London, Docklands Campus (10am-1pm)

Why two seminars?

The two seminars are linked – with the first providing an introduction and the second a more practical experience to develop skills. Participants may attend both or sign up for either seminar. For attendance at the second seminar, participants will be asked to bring a draft proposal for discussion in the workshop session. Reduced Rates: For attending both seminars, the cost will be: £40 LIRG and CDG Scotland members; £75 non-members.

For further details contact Alison Brettle A.Brettle@salford.ac.uk.

For booking contact Alan Poulter Alan.Poulter@cis.strath.ac.uk  Final date for booking: 6th January 2010 (for all seminars).

Library and Information Research

The latest issue of Library and Information Research is now available online at http://www.lirg.org.uk/lir/ojs/index.php/lir/issue/current.

 There are several items of interest from a project point of view including for school librarians:

Christina Sacco Ritchie asks “Would evidence-based school librarianship work in the UK?”

Other articles include:

• 'the important question “Do we need the information professions?"


• “An evaluation of the National Year of Reading in Yorkshire”


• A survey of e-book usage at UWE – LIRG prize-winning research from Jackie Chelin and colleagues


• Janet Clapton’s practical checklist for establishing the context of a new research project.

They (the journal editors) welcome submissions of research articles, reports and book reviews from both practitioners and academic researchers.

With this in mind you may be interested in a recent email from Janet Clapton:

As a LIS practitioner researcher (i.e. in my spare time!) I am exploring the views of those of us who would like to write for publication but experience barriers.

Pilot testing showed, not surprisingly, that time was a major constraint, although lack of support was also a problem. However we are all experts in what we do every day, and therefore have important knowledge to share.

 While the views of all LIS practitioners are of interest, those who work outside academic settings are particularly encouraged to take part.

Please carry out the short survey below (before the end of 9th October).

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=budG_2bTzSM3ayB8XwIf07BA_3d_3d

Writing an article can be daunting but I've found that co writing with someone more experienced can help you pick up tips and techniques plus gain confidence. Also writing a short piece about attending an event is a good way to start.  So why not give it a go.

 

1st october 2009 update

The above survey by Janet Clapton is now closed due to the sheer response size. Janet apologies to those who wanted to contribute but were unable to: but says please contact her Janet.Clapton@SCIE.ORG.UK if you have something burning to say about writing for publication.

She is looking forwards to sharing the published findings when available.