It takes more than breadcrumbs to learn generic skills : collaborating to improve information literacy

The effective teaching and learning of generic skills is becoming an important component of undergraduate education with the introduction of graduate attribute programmes in some Australian universities. Research shows that contextualised learning of these skills is important, but is a discipline-specific context sufficient to ensure student success in acquiring these skills? This paper studies the effectiveness of information skillslearning by a group of undergraduates using Brookfield&rsquo;s concept of critical reflection and Critical Incident Questionnaire (CIQ). Most students reported positive experiences where the learning environment encouraged a deep approach to learning and negative experiences where that environment encouraged a surface approach. To ensure that students&rsquo; approach tolearning is appropriate for achieving the level of information literacy required of graduates, the study recommends the integration of information skills learning into course curricula through the close collaboration of academic and library staff.<br /

Mind the gap 2014 : research to inform the next five years of library development

Libraries have a long history of gathering evidence of performance. The results of regular client satisfaction surveys directly inform the continuous improvement of library and information services. Staff and student input is critical for improving library physical and virtual spaces, facilities and resources, and also to learn how the university community may approach information discovery into the future.At Deakin University Library we are investigating, developing and integrating Web 2.0 applications into our service delivery. At the same time, designs for next generation physical learning spaces are being developed and implemented. These will extend the opportunities for students to contribute to a connected network of learners and teachers, to develop social networks, and to enrich experience of university life. Both the online and spaces strategies support the University&rsquo;s distinctive advantage in flexible education. But what of the future? How can the Library ensure that its support of research, teaching and learning aligns with changes in the behaviour and preferences of the university community in the next five years? This paper reviews Deakin University Library&rsquo;s recent achievements, exposes an important gap and previews its plans to ensure its reliable support to the university community continues.<br /

Deakin University Library : an active partner in the implementation of the new generation e-learning platform Desire2Learn

Deakin University has a long association with e-learning platforms, utilising the functionality of various Learning Management Systems (LMS) over a period of years. Transforming learning and teaching is a key priority of the University and moving to a new generation e-learning platform that supports engaging learning experiences through quality course design is a strategic imperative.In 2010 Deakin University selected Desire2Learn as its replacement LMS, an innovative platform that offers next generation functionality. The University is investing significant resources in 2011 to implement the new system. The Library is harnessing the opportunity to embed search and discovery and information access throughout the LMS, including presence at the highest level of navigation. A Library widget providing students with clear pathways and immediate access to key library collections, services and features is being developed by the Library in conjunction with the Faculties‟ academic champions and educational developers. Liaison Librarians are negotiating with academic staff to create context-specific pathways, to utilise Desire2Learn Web2.0 capabilities and to imbed more personalised resources and LibGuides aligned with units of study. This is happening at a time when libraries are introducing new approaches to information discovery.This paper describes Deakin University Library‟s journey in partnering with academic staff and others across the University to implement Desire2Learn as a vital new e-learning platform. It reports on many outcomes including: value created by embedding quality information in learner-centred course delivery; increased awareness of library subscription resources when accessible within students‟ workspace; strong and continuing relationships built with academic staff; enhanced Library staff engagement with flexible learning principles and new technologies. The question of where embedding information access in online courses and units fits with the Library‟s exploration of web scale solutions is also touched upon. And finally, an insight into how recent research undertaken by Deakin University Library has influenced our approach to information discovery solutions suggests an opportunity for many more questions to be explored