On sociomaterial imbrications: What plagiarism detection systems reveal and why it matters

Drawing on the example of a recent study (Wang, 2010), this paper discusses the application of a sociocultural approach to information literacy research and curriculat design. First, it describes the foundation of this research approach in sociocultural theories, in particular Vygotsky's sociocultural theory. Then it presents key theoretical principles arising from the research and describes how the sociocultural approach enabled the establishment of collaborative partnerships between information professionals and academic and teaching support staff in a community of practice for information literacy integration.

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/00048623.2011.10722242

Sociocultural Theories and their Application in Information Literacy Research and Education

Factors that Influence Information-Seeking Behavior: The Case of Greek Graduate Students

In 2005, the Library at UNSW began a comprehensive restructuring process that fundamentally changed the provision of services to its academic community. A primary aim of this process was to increase flexibility of service development and delivery and so to improve research support. The motivation for reformed services arose from considerations including the University Library need to realign its services to support the university’s strategic goals, the increasingly competitive nature of the research environment, the introduction of the RQF/ERA, and a renewed emphasis on research outcomes by UNSW. The measurement of research impact using bibliometrics was seen as a strategy for supporting UNSW researchers. University Library staff consulted the bibliometrics literature and apropriate methodologies were devised to measure the impact of publications, authors and departments. The result was the creation of a Research Impact Measurement Service (RIMS) that now produces over 30 reports every month and employs 6...

Rims: The Research Impact Measurement Service At The University Of New South Wales

Abstract A diagnostic assessment of information literacy (IL) skills of students is useful to design an effective IL instruction program for them. This paper reports results of a study conducted to investigate students’ perceived IL skills in the University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan. Using a locally developed 20-item scale, a cross-sectional survey was conducted on 1,414 conveniently selected students from all 73 academic units of the university. The findings indicate that the students were more comfortable in basic computing and internet related activities but less comfortable on specialized information searching tasks. The relationship of ‘total score’ of students’ IL skills was explored with six personal and academic variables (i.e., gender, discipline of study, degree level, social background, English language proficiency, and access to computer at home). This baseline study may be helpful for designing and implementing IL instruction programs in universities.

Relationship of Students’ Perceived Information Literacy Skills with Personal and Academic Variables

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to investigate the attitudes and perceptions of Greek librarians regarding information literacy programs and their preparedness for such programs.Design/methodology/approach – The study was targeted at all professional and paraprofessional staff of the academic libraries in Greece and Cyprus. The instrument was a specially designed structured questionnaire which included 20 questions, in sum 67 variables.Findings – Most libraries do not deliver information literacy programs, but some kind of library instruction. Many respondents consider that more money, more librarians and an appropriately equipped space are the best ways to improve information literacy programs. Concerning the information literacy trainers, there are those who emphasize teaching abilities and/or pedagogical experience, and those who emphasize infrastructure and funding.Originality/value – The paper contributes to the existing knowledge of information literacy skills by revealing certain issues rega...

Information literacy paradigm in academic libraries in Greece and Cyprus

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate student information literacy skills in the Technological Education Institute (TEI) of Thessaloniki, Greece, and examine whether courses and/or library seminars make any difference and contribute to the development of information literacy skills.Design/methodology/approach – The survey is conduct with students from all the departments of TEI that are enrolled at the sixth or seventh semester of their studies. The instrument of the survey is a structured questionnaire that included 12 questions, and measured a total of 73 variables.Findings – A significant percentage of the students have not completed an assignment in the previous semester, are not acquainted with the scientific sources available in the library, and have not attended an information literacy course and/or a library seminar. However, there is a slight difference between those respondents who have “attended an IL course integrated in the curriculum” and those who have not.Originality/value ...

Assessing information literacy skills in the Technological Education Institute of Thessaloniki, Greece

This research examines the level of information literacy skills in high school teachers and the extent of information literacy instruction in the western province of Thessaloniki. A census survey was conducted, which resulted in 500 structured questionnaires that were processed and analysed statistically using multivariate methods. The findings indicated that most of the teachers did not use any electronic sources, especially e-sources, and they were probably poor at helping children attain a level of information literacy. It was also found that men, teachers with a Masters or a PhD and teachers with less working experience were more likely to be frequent users of sources and especially e-sources. Therefore, it is suggested that teachers should attend information literacy training seminars.

George Christodoulou

Papers

Information literacy paradigm in academic libraries in Greece and Cyprus

Assessing information literacy skills in the Technological Education Institute of Thessaloniki, Greece

A paradigm of information literacy for Greek high school teachers