CAUL MEETING 2, 11-12 September 2014
CLTAC HOT TOPIC
Information & Digital Literacy
Following the CLTAC presentation on the results of the Information Literacy Survey, CAUL meeting, September
2013, the CAUL Executive has asked CLTAC to develop a Hot Topic that promotes broader discussion on current
practices in information literacy. A case study approach has been chosen to highlight work in building library
staff, academic staff and student competencies and how information literacy principles provide the
foundational criteria used to measure graduates’ digital literacies.
Hot Topic Chaired by:
Anne Horn and Janet Copsey
Introduction to Hot Topic:
Reflections on the role of University Libraries in learning and teaching - Hester Mountifield, Associate
University Librarian, University of Auckland
Three Case Studies:
1.
University of Auckland
Library Staff competencies
15 minutes
Hester Mountifield
Integrating information literacy into the academic curriculum has been a core role for the University of
Auckland Library for at least 10 years. The role of subject librarians is evolving from that of being service
providers to being educators who are active contributors in curricular design in higher education.
However, a research project conducted by the Library found that many of its subject librarians were
uncertain how to promote the integration of information literacy to academic staff, and that they felt
they lacked the pedagogic knowledge and skills to do so. A small team of senior librarians, under the
leadership of Dr Li Wang – Learning Support Services Manager in the Library, developed a professional
development programme for subject librarians focusing on the practical and theoretical aspects of how
to integrate information literacy into an academic curriculum. The programme which started in 2011
consists of five modules delivered in a variety of ways – team-based, face-to-face and online. One of
the key pieces of research guiding the team at University of Auckland was Wang’s 2010 doctoral thesis
Integrating information literacy into higher education curricula: An IL curricular integration model.
2.
Lincoln University
Reframing Information Literacy for a Blended 21st century Environment
15 minutes
Lyndsay Ainsworth
Information Literacy at Lincoln University has been greatly influenced by a rapid series of environmental
and technological changes in the late 2000s and early 2010s. These changes include:
 Merge of the Library with Teaching and Learning Services to form a single new entity: Library,
Teaching and Learning with merged teams containing staff from both units.
 Introduction of a fully functional and effective discovery layer coupled with the now ubiquitous
presence of Google and Wikipedia.
 2013 undergraduate qualifications/curriculum review with the introduction of mandatory courses
that all new to Lincoln undergraduate students must take.
 Effect of staffing reductions on older information literacy practices and tools such as the use of
subject guides and subject specialists.
 Effect of major earthquakes in the Canterbury region and the resulting disruption, damage and
destruction of infrastructure and established routines.
All these have combined to produce a reframing of how we promote and teach information literacy,
and related skills.
3.
Deakin University
Developing a Digital Literacy Framework
15 minutes
Sue Owen
Deakin University moved to digital literacy in its new set of graduate attributes adopted under the
University’s Learning Agenda in 2013. The Library has developed strategies for building a universitywide understanding of ‘digital literacy’, developing teaching resources, best practice examples and
building academic staff competencies. The Library has strengthened its learning and teaching team and
introduced new accountabilities, including a Manager Digital Literacy Programs. Liaison librarians have
been working as members of course enhancements teams across the university to develop digital
literacy components of curricula, including learning activities and the necessary rubrics for assessment.
A Digital Literacy Framework has been developed and is being disseminated with the approval of the
DVC (Education).
Discussion & Forward Actions:
Facilitated by Anne & Janet, CLTAC
15 minutes