Module Information

Module Identifier
DS34020
Module Title
Information Literacy
Academic Year
2025/2026
Co-ordinator
Dr Allen Foster
Semester
Distance Learning
Reading List
View example reading list on Aspire
Other Staff
 

Course Delivery

 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Assessment Essay of 2,500 words  50%
Semester Assessment Report of 2,500 words  50%
Supplementary Assessment Essay of 2,500 words  50%
Supplementary Assessment Report of 2,500 words  50%

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this module, students should be able to:

  • Evaluate definitions of information literacy and begin to form their own definitions

* Discuss theories of information literacy and information seeking

* Perform information literate information seeking based on models of information behaviour

* Discuss the process of locating and using information sources and discuss the generic transferable skills involved in that process

* Demonstrate techniques of Information Seeker Orientation, Opening and Consolidation within a wider understanding of the theoretical frameworks

* Identify and use core information seeking skills to identify and solve information problems and contrast these with alternative methods of obtaining information

* Explain methods of coping with information overload

* Communicate information literacy skills to others

Brief description

Information Literacy offers the opportunity for students to develop transferable skills in the field of Information Seeking Behaviour. Specific information skills are reviewed and evaluated within a theoretical framework. Evaluation of Information Literacy theories and models forms the basis of self questioning and critical thinking skills needed for flexible continual development of information seeking skills over the long term and enable students to consider ways in which they might apply this experience and knowledge to teaching others basic information literacy skills.

Aims

The module aims to enable students to becoming critical thinkers, intellectually curious observers, creators and users of information. That is, to become information literate and capable of sustaining and developing and teaching to others, that literacy skill throughout the changes of technology and information sources that will become available in coming years.

Content

The course will address a range of content linked to the learning outcomes. Primarily content will revolve around:

  • Definitions and discussions about the meaning and purpose of information literacy as a concept and within the information profession
  • Theories of information literacy and information behaviour
  • Practice performing information literate information seeking using feedback and self-reflective practice
  • Introduction to information sources and the associated generic skills needed to use them
  • Demonstrate different interpretations of information behaviour and information literacy as understood within the framework of theoretical models of information behaviour
  • Introduce ideas associated with flexible and adaptable information seeking
  • Identify issues around the concept of information overload
  • A guide to knowing what teaching information literacy to others may involve.

Module Skills

Skills Type Skills details
Communication Individual coursework in report format will include the presentation of information and the critical assessment of the process of obtaining that information. The report will develop presentation, evaluation and written communication skills.
Improving own Learning and Performance Encourages development within the principles of open learning.
Information Technology Information technology will be used as a tool on the module; but the information technology itself is secondary to the information literacy skills that will be developed. All coursework is to be word-processed.
Personal Development and Career planning As part of a CILIP accredited course the module offers opportunities for development in a number of information related careers.
Problem solving A core element of information seeking is the ability to solve an information problem by identifying the core issues, identifying possible remedies and finding a solution.
Research skills The course report will require planning and time management skills to make use of practical sessions, and to meet coursework deadlines and examination revision requirements.
Subject Specific Skills Skills of critical analysis, information seeking decision making, and resource evaluation, information literate information seeking, awareness of transferability of information literacy issues. Further details as per the learning outcomes.

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 6