The document outlines the seven pillars of information skills and evaluation process. It discusses each pillar - identify, scope, plan, gather, evaluate, manage, and present - and what skills are needed to understand and be able to apply each pillar when searching for information on a topic. The overall aims are to understand the information searching process, learn how to search for evidence on a specific topic, and be able to access the full text of information found.

1. Key information skills and the
evaluation process
Clare McCluskey – Academic Liaison
Librarian

2. Aims
• To understand the information searching process
• To learn how to search for evidence on a specific
topic
• To be able to access the full text of the
information

3. SCONUL seven pillars
© Copyright 2012 SCONUL SCONUL 7 pillars:
http://www.sconul.ac.uk/sites/default/files/documents/doughnut.jpg

4. Identify
• Understands:
– New info and data always being produced
– Scale of the world of published and unpublished
data
• Is able to:
– Identify lack of knowledge in an area
– Identify search question
– Manage time effectively to complete search

5. Scope
• Understands:
– What types of info are available
– Their characteristics and accessibility
• Is able to:
– Identify which types of info answer need
– Identify best search tools to answer need

6. Plan
• Understands:
– Range of search techniques
– Need to develop/refine techniques as needed
• Is able to:
– Define a search strategy
– Select best search tools for the job
– Refine search strategy according to tool used

7. Gather
• Understands:
– How libraries provide access to resources
– Difference between free and provided resources
• Is able to:
– Access the full text of info
– Engage with a community to share info

8. Evaluate
• Understands:
– Issues of quality/bias/relevance/accuracy
– Importance of citation in learning context
• Is able to:
– Assess the quality/relevance of info
– Read critically
– Know when to stop!

9. Manage
• Understands:
– Importance of storing/sharing info ethically
– Need to keep systematic records
• Is able to:
– Cite resources
– Use a suitable method of storing/managing info

10. Present
• Understands:
– Difference between summarising and synthesising info
– Personal responsibility to disseminate info and
knowledge
• Is able to:
– Communicate effectively using appropriate
verbal/writing styles
– Synthesise and appraise info from different sources

11. Contact me
• E: c.mccluskey@yorksj.ac.uk
• T: 01904 876699