Information literacy

Abstract

The study reviews a research project which, inter alia, is constructing an information literacy framework linking secondary and tertiary education and arises out of research conducted in both the secondary and tertiary sectors. The Project is firmly situated in a Scottish context but draws on UK and indeed worldwide experience. It began in October 2004 and still continues. It benefits from the support and experience of project partners in both secondary and higher education. Since its beginning the Project has expanded into other areas: the role of information literacy in the workplace and work-based learning, and into advocacy for information literacy. Work undertaken includes focus groups with school pupils, university students and subject librarians, an interview-based study of the use of information literacy in the workplace, a petition to the Scottish Parliament on the subject of information literacy, and the submission of evidence to the Scottish Executive's Digital Inclusion consultation. Contacts have been established with relevant NGOs including Learning and Teaching Scotland, learndirect scotland, the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF), Ofcom Scotland (not discussed) and the Scottish Centre for Work-Based Learning. In pursuit of the core objective a framework is being constructed based on SCQF aims, structure and key features.