The document summarizes research on information literacy (IL) skills training for research students at the University of Surrey. It discusses the background and drivers for IL skills development, the current approach with two library teams focusing on generic and subject-specific skills, and the results of a small student survey and focus groups. Students indicated needing more timetabled sessions, follow-up support, and a more proactive and uniform approach across faculties. They wanted additional help with electronic resources and advanced searching from academic liaison librarians, and more one-to-one sessions and referencing support from the generic skills program.

1. Research Students and IL
The Surrey Experience
Gill Downham
Academic Liaison Librarian
University Library

2. The Background
• Roberts Review (2002)
• RCUK (2001)
• QAA Code of Practice (2004)
• Research Information Network Reports (2007, 2008)

3. • 2 ‘strands’ to research skills in the University Library:
• PGSDP – generic skills
• ‘Problem solving’ and presentation
• Academic Liaison Librarians – specific skills
• Finding and using information
• Organisation
The current picture

4. The research
• Action research project for PGCAP award
• Focus group involving PGSDP and Academic Liaison
Librarians teams
• Student questionnaire
– Very small sample
– Faculty of Arts and Human Sciences only

5. The results – what students need?
• Basic ‘start-up’ skills
• More timetabled sessions
• Follow-up to sessions
• Contact throughout their courses
• Not just ‘problem fixing’ but value-adding sessions
• More uniform approach from Faculties
• A more pro-active approach from the teams

6. The results – what students want
ALLs:
• Additional help with electronic resources
• More advanced searching skills
• Web 2.0 training
PGSDP:
• 1-2-1 sessions
• Referencing
• Subject-specific sessions

7. The Future
• More seamless service
• Greater visibility
• Broaden scope of skills teaching
– Interactive Web 2.0 pages
– Podcasts
• Formulating research strategies
• Re-run survey

8. Any Questions?