Information Literacy in the Scottish Government

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Information Literacy in the Scottish Government

• Jenny Foreman
• Lesley Thomson

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If Scotland is to remain an advanced economy it
is essential that its people should understand
how to access information, assess it critically
and use it discriminatingly Dr John
Crawford
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A smarter Scotland is at the heart of everything
we want to achieve for this country. We can only
build a Scotland that is wealthier and fairer,
one that is healthier, safer, stronger and
greener, if people are equipped with the skills,
expertise and knowledge for success. Fiona
Hyslop, MSP. 2007. Skills for Scotland.
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What we found

• Civil service culture
• Introverted information culture
• Searching for information is a major activity
• Advanced search techniques not well understood
• Link between level of work and information skills
• Colleagues and contacts are primary source of
  information

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Challenges (Opportunities?)

• I borrowed books many years ago but since
  everything has gone electronic the library has
  faded into obscurity
• In the age of the internet I see no need for, or
  relevance of, Library Services
• More efficient to search for the information I
  require myself since I am reasonably IT and
  internet literate

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So, what are we doing about it?
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• Most enjoyable, light-hearted and fun. I learnt
  about Advanced Google, so good Ive used it twice
  in the last hour and managed to find information
  Ive been looking for over the last couple of
  weeks.
• I hadnt really thought about advanced searches
  before, so this was really beneficial.
• Very useful as well as enjoyable should be
  rolled out to everyone in the SG.

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Next steps

• Definition of information literacy for the
• Scottish Government
• Information Literacy Strategy
• Closer working with Corporate Learning Services
  (CLS)
• Review existing IL training provision and
  identify gaps
• Take a lead on IL within central government
• Further research

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Any questions?