Aims for the instruction of information retrieval at Uppsala University Library

This document was approved by the Library Director on 10th March 2004. It was revised on 16th September 2008

Aims and strategies

Instruction in information retrieval is an important part of the work at Uppsala University Library. Training is available for students, lecturers and researchers at the University. This document outlines the Library's aims and strategies for the instruction of both undergraduate and postgraduate students.

Background

Swedish institutions of higher education have been designated the task of raising the level of information literacy. In accordance with Uppsala University's plan of operations for 2008 (appendix 6a) the University Library should pay particular attention to

continuing its great efforts to ensure a high level of information literacy among the University's students (cf. Chapter 1, Section 9 of the Higher Education Act) and by so doing aiding the University's on-going work within the framework of the Bologna Process.
        
The Higher Education Act (1992:1434, Chapter 1, Sections 9, 9a) lays down the following for studies at Swedish universities and colleges:

Studies at an advanced level shall build significantly on the knowledge acquired by students at the undergraduate level or equivalent studies.

Studies at an advanced level shall entail deepening knowledge, skills and competencies in relation to studies at undergraduate level and shall, in addition to that which is required for undergraduates,

- further develop the students' ability to integrate and utilise their knowledge,
- develop the students' ability to deal with complex events, questions and situations, and
- develop the students' potential for their coming professional lives where the demands are high for indepenent action or for working with research and development. 

Section 9a  Studies at the doctoral level shall build significantly on the knowledge acquired acquired by students at the postgraduate level or equivalent studies.

Studies at the doctoral level shall, in addition to that which is required at undergraduate and advanced level, develop such knowledge and skills that are necessary for carrying out independent research.

The overall aim 

The overall aim of the instruction at the Library is, in close co-operation with the University's lecturers, to raise the students' level of information literacy. The students shall gain knowledge about information retrieval and thus acquire a tool for achieving the goals of their studies and be able to follow the development of knowledge in their future working lives. 

The reason for establishing aims for the instruction at Uppsala University Library is to be able to ensure high quality and to guarantee that students receive comparable instruction irrespective of where at the University they are studying.

Specific aims for the instruction

After having completed a course at the Library students shall

• understand how academic information is structured and how various kinds of information sources are organised
• be able to formulate a search query and subsequently select relevant information resources
• be able to check, analyse and evaluate information
• have a good understanding of the Library's physical and digital collections, catalogues and other bibliographic aids, and be aware of the Library's standing as an institution of cultural heritage.

Organisation

In accordance with the mandate of the University Library, the Library shall participate in research and education for example through information retrieval and library instruction.

Each subject library or section within the Library provides instruction for those departments that the specific library or section serves. Ultimate responsibility for the courses lies with the head of the subject library or section.

The course co-ordinators within each library group organise information and in-service training as well as suggesting improvements in the training. The group managers for the three library groups and the manager for the Cultural Heritage group are responsible for ensursing that there are sufficient resources to maintain the necessary standard of instruction.

Strategies for achieving the aims

1. Co-operation and integration

The Library strives towards:

• instruction in information retrieval being carried out in close co-operation with the University's departments and in line with the learning outcomes of the Bologna model and the needs of the departments
• the formulation and inclusion of learning outcomes concerning information literacy in departmental course plans
• information retrieval being a compulsory and/or credit-giving part of every degree at Uppsala University
• library instruction being given to every student and lecturer at Uppsala University

2. Advocacy

A strategy of continual advocacy is necessary in order that the Library's resources are used optimally by the University departments. This can be done by:

• contacts with heads of departments, study directors and faculty boards
• compiling information about the training on the Library's website and keeping it current
• using brochures and other printed information about the Library's training courses

3. Competence development

In order to maintain high levels of teaching in information retrieval at the Library, staff competence development should be a prioritised area. Pedagogical awareness at the Library contributes to high quality teaching. Our aim is that all teaching librarians

• have a basic knowledge of pedagogics
• are given continual in-service training in information retrieval, search techniques and teaching skills

4. Evaluation

Continual evaluation is necessary in order to follow up the effects of the training. This can be done by

• a written evaluation on completion of a course in information retrieval and/or
• the teaching of information retrieval being assessed as part of a departmental course evaluation

5. Revision of the aims

This statement of aims must echo the needs of the departments and the development of information retrieval as well as being compliant with the mandate of Uppsala University Library. 

• This statement of aims is to be reviewed annually
• The Library's course co-ordinators are responsible for implementing changes

This document has been written by the course co-ordinators for the three library groups and the cultural heritage group within Uppsala University Library and has been approved by the Library's management team.

Course co-ordinators:

Library group Ihre/A: Humanities and Theology
Mia Bjursén Carlberg, tel. 018-471 70 27

Library group B: Law, Social Sciences and Teacher Training
Kristina Carlsson, tel. 018-471 63 72
Anu Salminoja, tel. 018-471 33 66 

Library group Linné: Pharmacy, Medicine, Technology and Science
Eva Nordgren, tel. 018-471 66 04

Cultural heritage: Manuscripts, music scores, maps, pictures and early imprints
Åsa Henningsson, tel. 018-741 79 39