University Library “I’m worried I’ll miss out something important” Angela Newton Information Literacy Team Leader Leeds University Library

University Library What worries new research students, and how can library training help? The ‘Roberts’ effect Which information literacy skills are important for research students? Common anxieties What kind of library training is on offer? Student feedback Who do I contact to find out more?

University Library The ‘Roberts’ effect Gareth Roberts Set for Success review 2002 “…at least two weeks' dedicated training a year, principally in transferable skills..." (Roberts, 2002) ‘Roberts money’ available to faculties and central services at the University of Leeds Library Training (e.g. EndNote) popular with research postgraduates But: Literature searching skills remained untaught

University Library Which information literacy skills are important for research students? Background research: Investigation of current training provision for PhD students at Leeds University Library Literature review Best practice in other HE institutions Research Student Needs Analysis Survey 2005

University Library Common anxieties With the person sitting next to you, rank the following 5 aspects of information literacy that you think commonly worry research students. 1 = most common anxiety Which information resources to use? Managing information Missing out key papers Keeping up to date Systematic literature searching

University Library Common anxieties Which information resources to use i.“What are our databases, i.e. business and economics” Systematic literature searching ii.“How can I organise my lit searching so it is clear and systematic and so I don't forget what I have looked at and what I haven't” Missing out key papers iii.“How can I be certain I have a comprehensive search?” Managing information iv.“How can I manage downloaded papers so that I can retrieve information quickly?” Keeping up to date v.“Activate topic specific journal alerts”

University Library What kind of library training is on offer? Finding and managing information for your PhD: ½ day workshop Pre-workshop self-assessment Common concerns Sources of information Selecting keywords & building a search Managing information Plagiarism Tracking academic discussions Select 1 or 2 activities

University Library Finding & managing information for your PhD Pre-workshop self-assessment helps: Students think about their skills & habits Faculty Team Librarians find out more about the needs/abilities of the students Mixed learning & teaching methods Presentations Group work & discussion MindMapping E-learning activitiesE-learning Self-directed learning

University Library Highly recommended Four further Library Training sessions: Copyright* Current awareness Dissertations and theses EndNote (starter)* *crucial to maintaining an ethical framework for research

University Library Student feedback “Awesome!” “The plagiarism section was the most enlightening” “Excellent. I learned more than I thought I would” “Great, been a student for 7 years, and still learned stuff!”

University Library Find out more: Contact your Faculty Team Librarian

University Library References: Newton, A.J. (2007) Reaching out to research students: Information Literacy in context. In Connor, E. Evidence Based Librarianship. Chandos Publishing: Oxford Ltd Roberts, S.G. (2002). SET for Success. London, HM Treasury: 218