The development of a National Information Literacy Framework (Scotland) Christine Irving Glasgow Caledonian University LILAC 2007

Recognition of need To develop a national overarching framework of information literacy skills and competencies which all sectors of education can recognise and develop or which can be applied to the world of work, equipping learners with skills needed for the 21 st century.

Research findings Schools - information literacy skills were generally taught in first and second year (aged 12 / 13) but not subsequently reinforced within the curriculum resulting in fragmented levels of knowledge and usage for their remaining years at school. HE - students arriving at university have generally either poor or limited information literacy skills, for some these skills will be enhanced but many will leave as they arrived. The workplace - indication that although employers do not explicitly ask for information literacy it is implicitly expected, seen as important at work but not included in workplace training.

In other words

Project deliverables Draft framework developed in conjunction with partners Evaluation exercise of draft framework Identification of barriers and constraints Contribution to curriculum development Contribution to the IL agenda on a national and international basis.

Funding Problematic due to: Lack of recognition and understanding of information literacy as a concept Funding bodies are often sector specific Success – summer 2006 Eduserv Information Literacy Initiatives

Developing the framework Lots of thinking, agonising, reflecting Looked at other frameworks – at home and abroad Discussions with relevant bodies and individuals Not reinventing the wheel –incorporate what is being used –look for common themes from existing models and definitions

Common Themes

Draft Framework

Still a long way to go Piloting –Funding –Need for practical examples to demonstrate how each level can be used within different sectors and for different subjects Advocacy –Recognition of framework –Uptake of framework

For more information Christine Irving Project Officer (part-time) National Information Literacy Framework Learner Support Glasgow Caledonian University Room RS305, (3rd Floor) 6 Rose Street Glasgow G3 6RB Tel: project website: framework website

Questions?