Embedding research skills

I think you are all aware that there is a LibGuide called Embedding Research Skills where I have outlined why IL should be embedded into courses and how the Library can help achieve this goal.

This guide also includes many examples from different disciplines and I think this is really important because every discipline requires students to learn different sets of skills. I have given all librarians editing access to this guide so please add new examples as you come across them. It would be even better if you could add examples from our own institution.

The guide is directed primarily at academics, but the discipline-specific examples will also give you ideas for new ways of getting the skills embedded into the JCU subjects.

Cognitive capacity for learning article

Here is an interesting article about cognitive capacity for learning:

Little, J. J. (2010). Cognitive load theory and library research guides [Electronic Version]. Internet Reference Services Quarterly, 15, 53-63. Retrieved March 30, 2010, from http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/10875300903530199

Abstract
Online library research guides are instructional tools that most libraries provide for their patrons. With greater flexibility in Web programming and new products like Springshare’s Libguides, librarians have multiple venues for guide creation. This paper seeks to assist research guide editors in assessing their guides based on cognitive load theory. This theory is based on the idea that cognitive capacity for learning is limited and that techniques can be developed to help learners avoid cognitive overload. Addressing the three main sources of cognitive load gives librarians a framework in which to create meaningful and useful research guides.

LibGuides & Information Literacy

There's an interesting story about using LibGuides for IL by Karen Neven at the Dalhousie Medical School: Using LibGuides for Information Literacy in Medicine. Here are some extracts:

"Like any library at a university, we’re always looking for ways to promote the library and our support of curricula across the academic community, bringing the library top of mind for our users. I’ve found LibGuides to be a particularly effective tool to accomplish this.

... LibGuide designed based on the architecture of COPS would be effective. It succeeded beyond my wildest imagination.

The guide is laid out in tabbed format, then Years 1 & 2 contain sub-tabs with links to library resources supporting each individual unit in those years. Years 3 & 4 are the clerkship years, with no individual units, so general practice resources are provided under a single tab. Graduate medical students are supported with a tab called “Resources by Specialty” where links are provided by medical specialty.

... for some pages, with very little promotion outside of word of mouth, use increased more than 600% from the first year the guide went live to the second year."

Embedding research skills

I have added a new guide called Embedding research skills to the Information Literacy content box under About the Library. It includes a lot of discipline specific examples of IL skills being embedded into subjects. There are some good ideas in there that you may be able to utilise with your teaching staff. Please send me any additions that you come across.
If you have linked to this box you should see the addition in your own guides.