Is Their Foundation Solid Enough to Build On: An Investigation into the Information-Seeking Skills and Self-Efficacy Levels of New Nursing Students

Researchers at a mid-sized, Midwest, faith-based university used a quasi-experimental non-equivalent control group pretest posttest design to gather data from newly enrolled nursing students in a baccalaureate, masters and doctorate in nursing practice program. Literature regarding confidence levels, self-efficacy and information literacy skills was reviewed. Specific tools to assess confidence and self-efficacy of information literacy skills were explored. The 28-item Information Literacy Self-Efficacy Scale (ILSES) developed in 2006 by Serap Kurbanoglu was used in fall 2012, spring 2013 and fall 2013 to gather data from over 200 newly enrolled nursing students. Analysis of self-reported information literacy skills and self-efficacy levels were analyzed using SPSS software. Reported changes in self-efficacy as a result of information literacy interventions were reported. Implications for the use of active learning activities and skills assessments within information literacy programs were presented

Addressing the Biodiversity Paradox : Mismatch between the Co-Occurrence of Biological Diversity and the Human, Financial and Institutional Resources to Address Its Decline

Pressures are mounting for the adoption of a Global Biodiversity Framework that transforms conservation and sustainable use efforts worldwide. Underlying this challenge is the biodiversity paradox: biological diversity predominantly concentrates in the tropics, while human, institutional, and financial resources are primarily located at higher latitudes both north and south. Addressing the biodiversity paradox requires the expansion and mobilization of human, institutional and financial resources around the world. We outline a model championed by the IUCN Species Survival Commission (SSC) that builds on the Species Conservation Cycle (Assess-Plan-Act-Network-Communicate) and recognizes that most conservation action occurs at the national or local level. Various strategies are applied to this end by the partners of Reverse the Red, a global movement that ignites strategic cooperation and science-based action to ensure the survival of wild species and ecosystems. The SSC contributes to Reverse the Red through two primary strategies: National Species Specialist Groups and Centers for Species Survival. By building on existing expert networks and catalyzing efforts with established local institutions, we aim to significantly expand capacity to implement conservation action at the national level and reverse the negative trends indicated by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species and the Red List of Ecosystems.Science, Faculty ofNon UBCOceans and Fisheries, Institute for theReviewedFacultyResearcherOthe