Abstract

The Library has been teaching information skills, more recently called information literacy, for over two decades aimed at supporting students in locating, retrieving and using information effectively in academic work at all levels. We have in the last year in common with trends across the higher education sector been developing a practical framework for the delivery of information literacy that identifies key skills, linked to intended learning outcomes, and reflecting broader initiatives such as the QAA Benchmark Statements. Going forward we plan to link with other related initiatives in the University such as PDP. This paper will: • Explain what information literacy is; • Explain our response to recent developments in thinking in information literacy; • Make links to other initiatives within the University, such as PDP and employability. • We will also make specific statements about how information literacy contributes to employability in two areas: • Supporting students - in a 'vocational university' - doing assignments and projects that directly simulates work related tasks: • Supporting students on placement - looking particularly at the students experience on placement of using information skills in a work context. The paper draws on student feedback about their placement experience and the way they completed information activities and how that related to the skills they acquired prior to going on placement.