The role of the university library in supporting information literacy in UK secondary schools

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this research is to report on the findings of the CrossEd-2 study which investigated the role of the university library in delivering information literacy skills relating to the use of e-resources to secondary schools in the UK. Design/methodology/approach – A quantitative survey of all university libraries in the UK was undertaken using an e-mail questionnaire to identify the incidence of current collaboration. A return rate of 36 per cent was achieved, and the data provided information on the types of collaboration taking place in a total of 20 universities. These were categorized and used to select a survey population of six university libraries for the qualitative study. Data collection for the case studies was by means of face-to-face and telephone interviews with university librarians, using semi-structured interview schedules. Findings – Six forms of collaboration were identified with a range of levels of information literacy skills evident. Collaboration is characteristically ad hoc, with little involvement of school librarians. The research revealed six distinct positive aspects of cross-sectoral collaboration for school pupils. A fundamental lack of understanding of the respective roles of secondary school and university librarians was demonstrated. Practical implications – A strategy and a national seminar to enhance collaboration in the UK are discussed. Originality and value – The first qualitative study that has explored the issues surrounding information literacy skills relating to the use of e-resources across the secondary and tertiary education sectors in the UK.

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