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Minding the skills gap: Developments in information-training handling for researchers in the UK
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Minding the skills gap Developments in information‐training handling for researchers in the UK Aaron Griffiths
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Transcript of Minding the skills gap: Developments in information-training handling for researchers in the UK
Minding the skills gap
Developments in information‐training handling for researchers in the UK
Aaron Griffiths
Understanding and Understanding and promoting the information promoting the information
needs of researchersneeds of researchers
“We build too many walls and not enough bridges”
About the RIN
Policy, guidance and support on:
• search and discovery• access and use of information services• scholarly communications• digital content and e‐research• collaborative collection management and storage
Published
July 2008
UK focus
Research by AimTech Ltd
Ongoing work
Information skills
• Using electronic repositories• Using subject‐based portals / gateways• Using appropriate search engines• Obtaining research papers and data• Finding research material in the Library• Evaluating research information• Bibliographical citation• Citing websites• Managing information generated through research• Retaining and preserving research information• Open access to research reports• Licensing and copyright issues• Developments in metadata
National‐level strategies and responsibilities
LIS
Information literacy
Academics
Research information
methodologies and tools’
Institutional level strategies and responsibilities
• Strategic thinking about the place of information training within the wider training provision?
• Attempts to align library, information and training strategies with broader institutional research strategies?
• Moves towards an integrated approach?
“It is difficult to contribute if you are not an active researcher. You need to be able to show how you would apply (for example RefWorks) in your own research. It’s about understanding the ramifications of research.”
Scale, organisation and content of library provision
Information seeking
Citation of sources
Portfolio of services provided
Evaluating, organising, managing, transforming or communicating information
Key underpinning issues such as copyright and open access
Topics covered in the training events which library staff provide or contribute to
Good practice
• Clear objectives and marketing to target audiences
• Regular communication with researchers, and exploitation of researchers’ peer‐to‐peer networks
• Collaboration between library staff and researchers
• Inclusion of library‐based events in central staff development programmes
• Continuance where practicable of one‐to‐one support
• Training provision that goes beyond information seeking to address broader information issues
Approaches to training
• Range of different approaches used
• Blended approaches: e‐learning + face‐to‐face training
• Skills developed within a subject‐specific context
• Specific to career‐stage
Exploiting e‐learning
Evidence of effectiveness?
May be useful in meeting the needs of categories of researchers (including contract research staff and part‐time researchers)
Evaluating training needs
• Few systematic attempts to assess researchers’ training needs
• Beyond surveys: focus groups, self‐assessment & e‐portfolios
• Weak monitoring mechanisms
Library capacities
Confidence gap?
Shifting roles of librarians…
Current RIN activities
• 16 July 2009 event
• Securing more coverage of information skills in training programmes
• Sharing good practice
• Improving communication and promoting joint planning
