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Key Academic & Digital Information Skills Framework

A guide for academic staff

Introductory

Stage Level - Introductory
Finding information
  • Understand what academic information is, the different types available, and how you would find each one
  • Locate the module's online reading list and identify the different information source available
  • Identify a search topic and describe it using simple terminology
  • Identify and locate suitable resources for a set task, including:
    • Conduct a basic keyword search on the library website
    • Use refining techniques to reduce the number of documents retrieved
    • Know how to access journals and relevant databases
    • Perform a search on a database where required by the curriculum
  • Awareness of Inter-Library Loan service
  • Locate and access the subject's library guide
Evaluating information
  • Understand the difference between a primary and secondary source
  • Identify strengths and weaknesses of source material
  • Evaluate the quality of information (print and electronic) using criteria such as bias, authority, currency, validity, etc.
  • Distinguish between good quality and other sources
  • Recognise the limitations of Google and Wikipedia for the purposes of academic study
  • Awareness of Bibliometrics
Managing information
  • Understand the need to keep records of searches and resources found
  • Be able to read text, select material and summarise in own words
  • Understand the limitations/restrictions on information
  • Describe what referencing is and why it is important
  • Identify the preferred referencing style for your School, programme or module
  • Construct an accurate reference for the most commonly used information in your discipline (e.g. books and journal articles)
  • Apply referencing principles in order to avoid plagiarism and the unethical use of information
  • Locate and use the sources of referencing help available (such as the UoL Referencing guides, tutorials and Academic Subject Librarian support)