Information Seeking and Use level 11

Program Overview

---

This short course explores critically different theoretical developments and practical applications in the field of Information Seeking Behaviour. Students will examine the creation, use, evaluation and ethical dissemination of information via different sources and tools. The course emphasises the value of information and digital literacy in academic, workplace, and everyday life settings.

The course explores theoretical perspectives and practical approaches to acquiring and using information in response to different needs and knowledge gaps. Human behaviour is examined in relation to diverse sources and channels of information (such as databases, search engines and social media) which influence how people search for, share and use information. The course offers insight into information related environmental contexts (e.g. education, workplace, everyday life) and personal user characteristics (e.g.  knowledge, experience and psychological factors such as uncertainly and information avoidance). Important aspects of information evaluation (accuracy, objectivity, authority, reliability completeness) and information utility (usefulness, relevance, importance, accessibility and usability) are explored. The course looks at how the collaborative creation and sharing of online content in the modern information environment have enabled new methods for information searching and browsing, highlighting the significance of information and digital literacy development.

Program Outline

Topics

Information seeking behaviour and needs.

Different types of literature (journal literature, grey literature, government publications, technical literature and digital materials, quick reference sources of information).

The variety, strengths and limitations of print and digital sources (databases, search engines, social media).

Sources of arts and humanities, scientific and social science information.

Different types of information (academic information, health information, business and technical information).

Search strategies (advanced searching and browsing).

Reference services and client communication.

Information and digital literacy, user communities and needs. Information evaluation, synthesis and presentation of information.

On completion of this module, students are expected to be able to:

Evaluate critically the major tools of bibliographic control of monographs, journal literature, online resources and other significant categories.

Evaluate the execution and the results of specific searches for information.

Appraise critically the role and value of information services in a variety of settings.

Justify the use of the most appropriate sources of information in a range of different contexts.

Analyse the needs of user communities in order to design and implement effective information provision.

---

Disclaimer

The University regularly reviews its courses. Course content and structure may change over time. See our

course and module disclaimer

for more information.

---

Online Learning

You will learn via our online virtual learning environment, CampusMoodle which provides you with lectures and course materials and allows you to study from any location. You will participate in active, group-related learning within a supportive online community setting. You will have access to recorded lectures and opportunities to meet up online via discussion fora and live sessions.

---

Activity Summary

30+ students per group

Recorded Lectures - 2 hours per week

Webinar - 2-3 hours per term

Online learning activities 3 hours per week

Independent Study 2-3 hours per week

The course provides students with an opportunity to practically apply information retrieval methods and strategies, using different sources and media, by means of offering a response to a real information enquiry. Students also work on a blog opinion-based exercise and develop a reflective account of learning which focuses on the development of information and digital literacy skills. This helps students to critically engage with current debates as well appraise their own skills development.

---

Assessment

Individual Portfolio Assessment consisting of an individual practical, a written and a reflective component.

---

Independent Study

The course requires you to become independent 'open learners' and take responsibility for when, where and how your learning occurs. You will spend approximately 8-10 hours per week in the Online Learning mode of study working on your own, undertaking prescribed reading, preparing and participating in  group activities, taking part in online group discussions and other activities, researching and writing course reports.

---

Staff Delivering on This Course

This course is taught by a member of academic staff within Information Management with significant teaching experience, active engagement in research and scholarly activities in this area and a SFHEA Advance Higher Education Qualification.

---

---

Academic Support

The Inclusion Centre advises and supports students who disclose a sensory or mobility impairment, chronic medical condition, mental health issue, dyslexia and other specific learning differences. Applicants are encouraged to arrange a pre-entry visit to discuss any concerns and to view the facilities.

The Inclusion Centre

---

Online Learning & Support

All online learning students, benefit from using our collaborative virtual learning environment, CampusMoodle. You will be provided with 24/7 online access to your learning material and resources, along with the ability to interact with your class members and tutors for discussion and support.

CampusMoodle

---

Study Skills Support

The Study Support Team provides training and support to all students in:

Academic writing

Study skills (note taking, exam techniques, time management, presentation)

Maths and statistics

English language

Information technology support

Study Skills Support

---

Library Support

The Library offers support for your course, including the books, eBooks, and journals you will need. We also offer online reading lists for many modules, workshops and drop-ins on searching skills and referencing, and much more.

University Library

The course will provide students with the ability to search across a range of information sources and critically appreciate the manner in which information may be mediated in response to the full range of information needs, both organisational and individual.

Information skills are an essential component of personal and organisational success. The process of identifying, evaluating, disseminating and using knowledge helps to enhance performance and meet personal and business objectives. Good quality information is linked to informed decision-making, problem-solving, encouraging continuous learning and development.

Students who take this course work in areas such as:

Developing information programs and services for their clients in different settings (e.g. information and library related work, business information services, health information provision, education, government information services)

Positions where they have to ensure that information is organised in a manner that meets their users’ and clients’ needs, directing them to the right sources and techniques for finding information.

Research for particular groups or clients or deliver information skills training and instruction in diverse organisational environments.

Information seeking and use helps students to develop transferable skills linked to different areas of work and roles, and are particularly valuable for those that are information rich and involve evidence-based practice, research, competitive advantage and informed decision-making.