Paper given by Lisa Hawksworth, Faculty Librarian, University of Liverpool at the ALISS 2013 xmas event.

2. University of Liverpool and Widening
Participation
 One 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

3. The Liverpool Scholars Programme
 Aims to support talented students from traditionally underrepresented 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/

4. 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 halfterm 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

5. 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‟ lecture
Time management
Note taking
Presentation skills
Academic writing
Critical Thinking
Referencing
Research skills

6. The Library contribution
 2009
 2013
 75 mins, 60 students, 2
libraries
 75 mins, 120 students, no
libraries!
 Presentation plus handson, 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
 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

7. Xerte: example screens
Drag and
drop

8. Xerte: example screens

9. Xerte: example screens

10. Xerte: example screens

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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