| Institution Name |
University of Wollongong, NSW Australia |
| Participating Library Name |
University of Wollongong Library |
| Library Type |
University |
| Submittor |
Allison Hill, Faculty Librarian, Allison_Hill@uow.edu.au, +61 2 4221 3078
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| Address |
University of Wollongong Library
Building 16
Northfields Avenue
Wollongong NSW 2522
Australia
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| URL |
http://www.library.uow.edu.au/about/planning/infol |
| Title |
Information Literacy Introductory Program (ILIP) |
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| Program Summary |
One of the first Australian universities to develop and implement ILIP a compulsory, non-credit point information literacy subject for all undergraduate students and postgraduate coursework students. The program is entitled ILIP100 Â Information Literacy Introductory Program.
ILIP provides the foundation for the development of attributes of a Wollongong graduate http://www.uow.edu.au/about/teaching/attributes/. The Library has a central role in developing and maintaining ILIP which underpins more advanced information literacy and support.
ILIP is made up of two components: ILIP instruction and a compulsory online ILIP assignment.
1.ILIP Instruction ILIP instruction prepares the student for the compulsory online assignment. Instruction is offered in a classroom setting (usually in first weeks of session) or through online self-paced learning modules. The instruction covers topics such as how to use the library catalogue, interpret catalogue records and how to access the various databases available for locating information. Plagiarism, a serious issue in universities, is also introduced.
2.Compulsory online ILIP assignment Once students have either worked through the online ILIP modules or attended an ILIP library class, they are required to complete the compulsory assignment. There are two sets of questions in the ILIP assignment: one set of general questions and one set of faculty-specific questions (randomly assigned through the Assignment Database). Students are instructed to save their answers at the end of each section.
Students must answer all questions correctly to pass the ILIP assignment. Students can take the assignment as many times as required. Each time, questions are saved and students only need to complete those questions that are incorrect or have been left incomplete.
Students must answer all questions correctly to pass the ILIP assignment. Students can take the assignment as many times as required. Each time, questions are saved and students only need to complete those questions that are incorrect or have been left incomplete.
The University of Wollongong was recognized with the University of the Year Award 2000-2001; Preparing Graduates for an e-world. The Library's information literacy strategy and practices were recognized as best practice by the Award's evaluation team.
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| Benefits |
ILIP is an elementary introduction to research skills and the technology that enables students to find information. ILIP provides the foundation for the development of higher level skills of critical analysis, interpretation, evaluation, and use information essential for lifelong learning. The development of the online assignment modules offers increased flexibility and convenience for students as well as removing the need for staff marking and assessment of assignments.
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| Costs |
The primary cost of ILIP is staff time related in the teaching, reviewing and updating learning modules. The University has a Tertiary Literacies Working Party and funds an ILIP Project Officer. Web-based information literacy tutorials were established with partial University funding.
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| Alignment |
The Library's vision and mission http://www.library.uow.edu.au/about/planning/vision.html articulate's the role of the Library in supporting and developing the information literacy skills of students, in particular the Library will: a)Develop education and training programs to equip staff and students with the skills for lifelong learning b)Provide leadership and expertise in navigating an increasingly complex and diverse scholarly information environment.
The University of Wollongong graduate attributes are the characteristics or qualities that the University expects of all its graduates; they are a key measure of the University's achievement of its core functions and therefore should be developed while students are completing their studies. The Library's information literacy strategies are designed to support and build upon the Graduate Attribute : A basic understanding of information literacy and specific skills in acquiring, organising and presenting information, particularly through computer based activity.
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| Measurability |
The successful completion of the assignment is an indication that students can demonstrate that they can find the required information resources. Students must complete all questions correctly. Incorrect answers are indicated and students must return to these questions and supply the correct answer. Once students have achieved 100% in the assignment their academic record will show that they have completed their Information Literacies Introductory Program (ILIP). The system supplies a 'Congratulations' message when the student has achieved 100%.
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| Sustainability |
ILIP was introduced as a zero credit point subject in 1999, strengthening and endorsing its role in developing the Graduate Attributes. Successful completion of ILIP is recorded on student transcripts. The University's Learning and Teaching Strategic Plan directs the University Education Committee's (UEC) development of policy. In 2002 UEC endorsed the Tertiary Literacy Policy. This policy includes the full range of tertiary literacies which lead to the development of the Attributes of a Wollongong Graduate.
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| Transferability |
The principles and practices of ILIP have been incorporated into tailored information literacy training modules for different client segments, for example, postgraduate coursework students and offshore students.
ILIP009, was introduced in 2003 as a zero credit point subject designed to capture postgraduate coursework students who have not completed the undergraduate subject ILIP100.
ILIP100 and ILIP009 at the University of Wollongong in Dubai. In Dubai, the University teaches the same degree programs as at the University of Wollongong, Australia and students receive their degrees from the University of Wollongong. Consultation and collaboration with librarians at this offshore campus led to the development of a tailored ILIP. The revised program will be extended to students at the University of Wollongong in Dubai in 2005. Work is also in progress in developing ILIP for other offshore students.
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| Responsiveness |
Many universities have identified a range of graduate attributes that are the characteristics or qualities that the university expects of all its graduates. The challenge is how to ensure ALL students participate in a foundation program to commence developing these qualities. ILIP provides a case study on how one university has successfully intergrated information literacy in the curriculum.
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| Additional Info |
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| Heard about this from |
Through a professional network.
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Issues & Advocacy 
