Q: Explain how you are going to impact Information Literacy Skills to your subject of choice using Society

of College, National and University Libraries (SCONUL).

INTRODUCTION

At the door of 21st Century lay an amazing awakening called "Information Literacy Skills"!

Undoubtedly, In the 21st century, information literacy is a key attribute for everyone, irrespective
of age or experience. Thus, Information Literacy is evidenced through understanding the ways in
which information and data is created and handled, learning skills in its management and use and
modifying learning attitudes, habits and behaviours to appreciate the role of information literacy in
learning. In this context learning is understood as the constant search for meaning by the
acquisition of information, reflection, engagement and active application in multiple contexts
(NASPA, 2004).

However, Information Literacy is an umbrella term which encompasses concepts such as digital,
visual and media literacies, academic literacy, information handling, information skills, data curation
and data management.

In contrast, the main aim of information literacy is to teach, guide, instruct, pilot and more importantly,
improve and stimulate zeal and passion for teaching, learning, research consultation and community
development for the betterment of society and nation at large. It serve as a gear that push and create
knowledge and abilities, and also, serve as a steering that controls the affairs of many disciplines and
professions by making good use of the SCONUL (pillars) respectively.

Basically, SCONUL has seven distinct pillars (steps), which are:

1. Identify

2. Scope

3. Plan

4. Gather

5. Evaluate

6. Manage

7. Present.

The above-mentioned stages of SCONUL are applicable to every discipline.

Let's take COMPUTER SCIENCE as a case study.

COMPUTER SCIENCE
Generally speaking, computer science is the study of computer technology, both hardware and software.
However, computer science is a diverse field; the required skills are both applicable and in-demand
across practically every industry in today's technology-dependent world.

A computer science can also be viewed as a discipline which deals with data processing (that is, input in
data into a computer system, processing the data, and generating output) which can be used to support
decision-making, policy making and strategic planing of organisational, company and institutional goals
and objectives.

To shade more light, Computer Science is the study of computers and computational systems. Unlike
electrical and computer engineers, computer scientists deal mostly with hardware, software and
software systems; this includes their theory, design, development, and application.

The step-by-step use of SCONUL to teach computer science profession can be seen as follows:

1. IDENTIFY: This signifies that, ideas and opportunities are created by investigating/seeking
information.

As an information professional, try to figure out the computer scientist information need through
reference dialogue. Try to understand the person's body language, behaviours and verbal expressions.
Then, suggest information resources that are relevant, reliable and authentic that could quench the
information need of that individual by;

-dentifying a lack of knowledge in a subject area

- Identify a search topic / question and define it using simple terminology

-Articulate current knowledge on a topic related to computer science

-Recognise a need for information and data to achieve a specific end and define limits to the
information need

-Use background information of the computer science to underpin the search

-Take personal responsibility for an information search

-Manage time effectively to complete a search.

2. SCOPE: This is talking about the boundary within which the discussion should be revolving around, e.g
Talk or integrate knowledge that is convergence with the study of computer science.

This has to do with:

-Teaching them how to design a good information system that will be used for collection and analization
of data as well as using the system to promulgate knowledge and information internally and externally

-“Know what you don’t know” to identify any information gaps

-Identify which types of information will best meet the need of computer science profession

-Identify the available search tools, such as general and subject specific resources at different levels

- Identify different form and formats in which information may be provided, e.g, Microfilm,
microfitch etc. Using gadgets to access the information.

-Demonstrate the ability to use new tools as they become available

PLAN: In the context of computer science, plan means; what to do, how to do, when to do, and where to
do it as well as the equipment to use in doing it. This has to do with the technological infrastructures,
e.g, computers and other gadgets. A computer science discipline requires the use of computers. Thus,
plan to buy good and durable equipment that is of high quality which will enhance the effectiveness and
efficiency of operation and maintenance in the discipline. This should be incorporated in the budget list
for the development of the discipline towards achieving the goals and objectives of the parent
organisation or institution as the case may be. It also has to do with;

-The range of searching techniques available for finding information

-Planning of current and future budgets

- Attention to details (take every factor in the computer science subject into consideration)

GATHER: This means;

-Understand how information and data is organised, digitally and in print sources

-How libraries provide access to resources and how the information system should assist policy making
in the computer science profession

-Teach the computer scientist how to analyze and synthesis data for processing

-Teach them how to use cloud computing service to store data and information of high quality and value
for special consultation and usage

-Teach them how to use Data-Based Management System (DBMS) effectively for securing, storing and
executing the functionality of the profession

-Teach them data analysis and presentation

-Teach them the use of abstract

-Teach them how to use appropriate techniques to collect new data

EVALUATE: Literary, evaluation is a strategic aim of identifying peculiar trends.

In other words, evaluation is the process of identifying the weaknesses and strength of something.

In computer science profession, you as an information professional, can teach them how to know the:

-Authority of information before collecting it. Check whether the information is viable, authentic, and
comes from certain bodies, check (individual and institutional authorship) including the year of
experience and area of specialisation.

-Recency: While purchasing database, check the current and updated information for your user's,
community and organisational consumption. This has to do with the comprehensiveness, completeness
and clarity of the information to be purchased from vendors

-Efficieny and effectiveness: Put every factor into consideration and buy equipment that are ease in
operation and maintenance

-Assess the credibility of the data gathered

-Choose suitable material on your customer's search topic, using appropriate criteria

-Assess the quality, accuracy, relevance, bias, reputation and credibility of the information resources
found

MANAGE: As an information professional, I will teach them how to organise information professionally
and ethically. And also help them to know;

-Their responsibility to be honest in all aspects of information handling and dissemination (e.g.
copyright, plagiarism and intellectual property issues)

-The need to adopt appropriate data handling methods

-The role they play in helping others in information seeking and management

-The need to keep systematic records

-The role of professionals, such as data managers and librarians, who can advise, assist and support
with all aspects of information management.

I'll also suggest that they should;

-Use bibliographical software if appropriate to manage information

-Cite printed and electronic sources using suitable referencing styles

-Create appropriately formatted bibliographies

-Demonstrate awareness of issues relating to the rights of others including ethics, data protection,
copyright, plagiarism and any other intellectual property issues
-Meet standards of conduct for academic integrity

-Use appropriate data management software and techniques to manage data

PRESENT: This means, presenting the results of their research, synthesising new and old information
and data to create new knowledge and disseminating it in a variety of ways.

Based in this, as an information literate person, I will recommend that;

-Different forms of writing/ presentation style can be used to present information to different
communities

-Data can be presented in different ways

-Their personal responsibility to store and share information and data matters

-Their personal responsibility to disseminate information & knowledge counts

-Incorporate new information into the context of existing knowledge

-Use the information and data found to address the original question

-Analyse and present data appropriately

-Communicate effectively verbally

-Select appropriate publications and dissemination outlets in which to publish if appropriate

-Develop a personal profile in the community using appropriate personal networks and digital
technologies (e.g. discussion lists, social networking sites, blogs, etc.)

CONCLUSUONS

To conclude, information literacy plays a vital role in information handling, maintenance and
dissemination. All. These are done in order to meet the 21st Century digital migration in order to meet
the specified and outlined goals and objectives of organisational or institunal objectives. In a nutshell,
Information Literacy Skills pinpoint that 21st Century is a century of knowledge, expertise and hyper-
progress.

REFERENCES

SCONUL Advisory Committee on Information Literacy (1999) Information skills in higher education:
a SCONUL position paper. Prepared by the Information Skills Task Force, on behalf of SCONUL.
Available at http://www.sconul.ac.uk/groups/information_literacy/seven_pillars.html [Accessed
27.2.11]

Bent, M. Gannon-Leary, P. Webb, J. (2007) Information Literacy in a researcher's learning Llfe: the
Seven Ages of Research. New Review of Information Networking 13 (2) p. 81-99