Information Fitness
We explained to students the importance of referencing their work and how that proved their research and learning outcomes were valid.
Changing role of libraries
Libraries are no longer silent, stern guardians of information, handing it out when and to whom the guardians think appropriate but rather customer focused centres designed to meet the ever changing information needs of library users. The change in library focus started with the rise of the Internet and databases and has continued at a fast pace. TAFE librarians were quick to see how the new technologies affected information gathering and how these technologies could be harnessed to help students.
Donna Mendoza with fitness students in the library
Neil Pollock, part-time librarian at Macquarie Fields TAFE NSW library sees the library’s role (and the role of librarians) as 'assisting students to improve information literacy for life long learning' and with Library Manager, Maureen Grosset, jointly developed a program, ‘Information Fitness,’ aimed squarely at this focus, particularly in terms of using the Internet and online databases as research tools.
While TAFE students were regular users of the Internet there was a need to develop a more critical approach to information sources in an educational context and Maureen and Neil’s program is directly linked to this need.
Information Fitness
The project was designed to develop the information literacy and research skills of students by enabling them to access, evaluate and use information from a variety of sources.
'Students are all aware of Google and how it works and it always brings up information whatever criteria you use but the problems arise when students try and to evaluate that information,' Neil commented. 'Google makes finding any information easy but finding good information is difficult. You always get a response from Google but it may not be appropriate for your needs.'
'After consultation and discussion between the Library staff and Sport and Fitness teachers, a four week Information Literacy Program was jointly developed, implemented and delivered for Certificate III and Certificate IV Sport and Fitness students at Macquarie Fields.'
Principles of Information Literacy
The principles of Information Literacy (Plan, Locate, Evaluate, Present) were matched to course modules 9765B Organise Work Information (C3) and 9766B Analyse and Present Research Information (C4).
During these sessions students:
- Defined their information needs
- Explored the variety of sources and levels of information
- Located and retrieved information
- Critically evaluated the information based on standard criteria of authority, currency and relevancy. This was particularly stressed when looking at websites.
- Presented sources in APA referencing format [American Psychological Association – see link below from Purdue University] therefore recognising the need to acknowledge sources.
'Getting students to look at particular sources and analyse whether they were appropriate and show them that going that extra length [to find further information] was worth the effort was a strong focus,' Neil said.
Engaging students
Students not only use the Net but also use paid subscription services, databases, online and hard copy journals as well as library stock held at Macquarie Fields. Industry websites were also emphasised as Neil and Maureen feel that 'there is no substitute for knowing what websites are relevant to that profession'.
Neil Pollock and students - information fitness in action
The program itself followed all the guidelines of relevant adult learning engaging the students in terms of both the nature and context of the exercises. While it did focus on hard copy reference material held in Macquarie Fields library, much of the work was completed using technologically based tools including the smart use of Google to restrict the amount of commercial sites returned. Also the nature of information gathering and desired results was closely examined.
'As the nature of each industry is different, the word ‘exercise’ has a different meaning to a Sport and Fitness student than to a Business Administration student. Students had to learn that first you must narrow down your search and that using the criteria ‘exercise prescription and testing’ would return a better result.'
Academic Referencing
Another area of concern for many teachers is academic referencing. Teachers repeatedly discussed with Maureen and Neil how students use N et based text without acknowledging authors.
'We explained to students the importance of referencing their work and how that proved their research and learning outcomes were valid,' Neil said.
Librarians as Personal Trainers
Libraries are now also social sites where students meet to listen to music, book rooms for meetings, research and complete assignments, borrow items and ask librarians for assistance with information gathering.
Maureen and Neil’s analysis of the information gathering requirements of the Sport and Fitness students was thoughtful, insightful and elegant. They also displayed excellent communication skills listening to teachers and the exacting requirements of a relatively new industry. Both take their skills very much for granted but their communication skills (and of course their undoubted expertise in information gathering and evaluation) are the cornerstone of the user focused TAFE library system.
'We became their personal trainers,' Maureen quipped.
Neil also described an analogy between libraries and the fitness industry that is both perceptive and spot-on. He described the fitness industry of 20 years ago when customers were faced with a single (often untrained) receptionist and a room with gym equipment and no trained gym staff. Gyms are now social networking sites where customers expect a professional experience with a focus on customer needs. A team assesses, advises and oversees personal development on a regular basis.
Libraries are now also social sites where students meet to listen to music, book rooms for meetings, research and complete assignments, borrow items and ask librarians for assistance with information gathering.
Interaction between students
One very pleasing and unforeseen outcome of the ‘Information Fitness’ project is that interaction between the various student levels has increased.
'The Certificate IV and Diploma students [in Sport and Fitness] are bringing the Certificate III students and showing them where the [Sport and Fitness] collection is in the library. They are developing ownership of their information literacy,' Neil said.
Interaction between library staff and students has also benefited. Students who have undertaken the ‘Information Fitness’ program now feel more comfortable approaching librarians and asking for help.
'The barrier has reduced and we have developed closer associations with students than librarians normally do,' Neil said.
The word is out about the benefits of the project and Maureen and Neil are currently discussing using their program for Sport and Fitness students on a sister campus at Wetherill Park. As well, a specific program for Aged Care students has been developed.
Maureen Grosset
Library Manager, Macquarie Fields College of TAFE
Has worked for TAFE NSW - South Western Sydney Institute TAFE for 19 years and as Library Manager at Macquarie Fields since 1993. Prior experience working in public and company libraries.
Neil Pollock
Part-Time Librarian, Macquarie Fields College of TAFE
Worked in information services for approximately 37 years with a background in web design and supervision as well as library services. Recently completed Master of Arts, Information Studies, University of Technology, Sydney. Operates a home based business with no link to libraries.
Also see
Purdue University ’s Online Writing Lab (‘OWL’) with information on APA style guide
Training in Information Fitness Research Skills (748 KB)