Skills for Success: Library involvement in the Liverpool Scholars Programme

Lisa Hawksworth

Faculty Librarian, Humanities & Social Sciences, University of Liverpool

ALISS Christmas Event, December 2013

University of Liverpool and Widening ParticipationOne of the most successful Russell Group institutions

for WP in degree level education 1st in Russell Group for proportion of students from low

participation neighbourhoods; 8.5% against a benchmark of 7.3% (http://www.hesa.ac.uk/content/view/1897/239/#pi)

More than 300 students entered the University through supported admissions

Scholars Programme running since 2007; first graduates in 2012

The Liverpool Scholars Programme Aims to support talented students from traditionally under-

represented backgrounds with their applications and entry into the University of Liverpool “Most able, least likely” to go to a Russell Group institution

Range of workshops and lectures to help students develop key skills and ease transition to HE Produce a portfolio of work and an assignment supported by an

academic tutor (member of academic staff or PGR at UoL) Successful students receive a guaranteed conditional offer reduced

by the equivalent of 40 UCAS points Non-repayable bursary to help with tuition fees and expenses

Now runs in conjunction with the Realising Opportunities Group http://www.realisingopportunities.ac.uk/

Programme participants

Year 12 students studying a 2 year, level 3 qualification

Have at least 8 A*- C grades at GCSE (or equivalent)

Neither parent has attended university in the UK or abroad

Are from low income backgrounds or have had experience of living in public care

Commit to attend a compulsory programme of events during February half-term and Easter vacations

Produce a portfolio of work and an assignment demonstrating knowledge and skills Academic assignment

Essay/report of not more than 1500 words

Linked to current studies and area of interest

Access to Library resources for duration of their A levels

Programme content

Application

Interview

Welcome Days 2 days in February ID card and

registration Project overview Campus tour Library tour

Academic Skills sessions 2 days in April Lectures and seminars

‘Subject’ lectureTime managementNote takingPresentation skillsAcademic writingCritical ThinkingReferencingResearch skills

The Library contribution

2009

75 mins, 60 students, 2 libraries

Presentation plus hands-on, based on UG teaching Recognising items on their

reading lists Using the catalogue and

Metalib to find items Evaluating what you find for

quality and relevance Handouts on referencing

and plagiarism

2013

75 mins, 120 students, no libraries! 3 groups PC centres outside

of the library Tour as part of Welcome Day

Shorter presentation Focus on hands-on

Used Xerte to create an online workbook

One Day Summer School

Xerte: example screens

Drag and drop

Xerte: example screens

Xerte: example screens

Xerte: example screens

The Library contribution: evolution

Numbers Library unsuitable as a venue Use of University PC Centres

Content Too much; shorter presentation, focus on hands-on Overlap between sessions

Materials Need for consistency Online tools

The Library contribution: evolution

Timings We wanted longer; sessions always run late! Temporary logins

Time of year Involve staff from other sections of the library Student Advocates were helpful

Communication Little feedback; don’t know who else is contributing or

what the students found useful

Ending on a positive note!

“An aim of the programme is to equip students with knowledge and skills which will aid their transition from Further to Higher Education. In this regard, activities which engage Scholars students with our libraries are essential. From basic tours of the libraries and the archives and facilities they house, through to interactive sessions on how to use the libraries to research effectively, the Scholars programme works in partnership with library staff to deliver valuable sessions each year. These activities not only help students feel welcome and provide introductions to how the libraries work but also serve to start our engagement with them early in terms of fostering a positive student experience. As the Scholars programme is academic in nature, with an assignment to pass, an introduction to our libraries is essential to providing a basis for student success.”

Michael Mohebbi, Educational Opportunities Officer, University of Liverpool