WGIL Meeting Minutes 14th June 2007
SCONUL WGIL meeting, 14th June 2007
Present:
Alison Mackenzie (Chair ) + Secretary)
Moira Bent
Cathryn Gallacher
Peter Godwin
Sheila Webber
Item 1 – Apologies
Received from Jan Howden; Vanessa Crane; Cathie Jackson; Jo Parker; Wendy White
Item 2 – Minutes of the meeting held on 23rd February 2007
Accepted as a correct record
Item 3 – Matters arising
It was noted that the book on Web2 technologies authored by PG and JP will be published Spring 2008
Item 4 – Matters of relevance arising from L&T task and finish group
The following points were raised in response to the notes from the meetings held on April 23rd and January 30th 2007
The proposed statements need to ensure that they focus on the student learning experience, with an emphasis on outputs e.g. how activities undertaken by Librarians can support/improve student retention, employability etc;
- They must appeal to the academic community and take account of the academic’s perspective
- The statements need to explicitly state how Libraries can add-value to the student experience
(Action: AM to contact VC to feedback above comments)
It was noted that Sheila Corrall had run a survey to identify references to the role of Information Literacy within University Teaching & Learning Strategies; (Action: SW to contact SC for information on findings)
Item 5 – WGIL position paper
The group considered the draft of the position paper and acknowledged the value of summarising and highlighting the evolving position of IL and the input of group members to date, but given its incomplete state agreed the following:
- Not to pursue publication of the paper as originally envisaged but to take some of the topics and re-purpose to produce some easily achievable and visible outputs
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- To upload on the Website an update on the development of IL (principally taken from the first few sections of the position paper e.g. WGIL role in developing the idea; changes over the last 7 years; avenues explored e.g. accreditation) (Action: PG to circulate text)
- To upload on the Website the revised version of the 7 pillars model and accompanying commentary (Action SW)
- To review and update as necessary the learning outcomes attached to the 7 Pillars model (Action CG)
- To establish use of the 7 Pillars model across the UK, Australia and New Zealand HE library communities. (Action CG to distribute a single question e.g. ‘Do you use the SCONUL 7 Pillars model?’ via e-mail lists) (Action SW to contact e-mail lists in Australia and New Zealand)
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- In parallel with this activity it was agreed that collection of this data could form the basis for a research project to examine how the model has been used/adapted/to meet local circumstances; Output from this project might inform future developments of the model (Action CG to draft a research proposal )
- To establish and promote on the Website,CETLS which are engaging with IL activities (Action SW to e-mail CETL discussion list)
Item 6 - WGIL Action plan
The group discussed the following objectives
5: Develop research level awareness and understanding of IL (in particular the proposed event with CONUL) (Action AM to contact EB for update on progress) Both CG and MB have ideas for contributions to the event which can be further pursued once dates/venue are agreed. It was also agreed to establish level of funding for this type of activity (Action JH to contact TB)
6. Develop links with European HE organisations. SW reported on an approach by the Council for Finnish University Libraries who are keen to develop links with the UK and would be interested in a visit. (Action SW to reply to her contact and suggest to JH that a meeting is arranged with the WGIL with a view to exploring the development of a European Forum) It was noted that ENIL now appears to be dormant.
7.Further develop links with HEA (in particular the findings and dissemination from the Literature review) SW reported that the review is due for publication at the end of July. Key issues from the review include
- Lack of empirical data to evidence links between IL and learning
- Many small scale investigations but often lacking statistically robust research data e.g. size of sample
- Lack of ‘meaningful’ research interventions e.g. there are a number of attempts to identify the ‘most effective way to deliver IL’ which presupposes a preferred approach, when in reality the situation is much more complex and largely context driven.
(Action SW to draft commentary on Literature review for inclusion on WGIL website with link to original document)
- SW also suggested an event to accompany launch of review with the aim of attracting University Senior managers; Academics and Librarians
It was also agreed to revisit the strategic aims and objectives of the group at the next meeting. (Action AM to include on agenda)
Item 7 – Web pages content
A number of suggestions were made to improve the content and structure of the Webpages within the context of ‘work in progress’ (Action PG to liaise with MB/SCONUL over development of new/improved features and access)
Some principles were discussed and it was agreed that where possible duplication with the CILIP website should be avoided and that the SCONUL pages should focus on IL within the HE community.
Item 8 – Building up a community of practice and source of expertise
MB suggested that the annual conference of the National Teaching Fellows could present an opportunity for the promotion of IL (Action MB to consider how to take this forward for 2008 conference)
It was noted that a number of colleagues, both previous members of the group and those who expressed interest in joining the group, could offer assistance with a number of activities and act as a source of expertise and a sounding board for proposed developments. (Action JH to ask HJ for list of names)
AOB
Jan’s notes and follow-up discussion
Liaison with TLIG (Action JH to contact HH to discuss)
Branding of WGIL and accompanying promotional material (Action AM to include as future agenda item)
Librarians and eligibility for Certificate in HE
SW drew attention to the position within her institution which does not allow Librarians to enrol on the above certificate as they do not meet the required numnber of teaching hours. No action was discussed but this should be followed up at the next meeting.
Date of next meeting
It was agreed to try and hold an additional meeting in September (week beginning 5th) to better establish momentum for the new group; to focus on the organisation of the joint CONUL event; development of a research proposal to establish uptake of the 7 Pillars model and follow-on activities related to the HEA literature review. (Action AM to identify suitable dates)
AM also suggested that it might be useful to invite a representative from the RIN to either September or November meeting