Making a difference? Measuring the impact of an information literacy programme for pre‐registration nursing students in the UK

Abstract

Objectives : To investigate whether an information literacy programme for preregistration nursing students at a UK higher education institution is effective in developing their skills and confidence: examines students' skill levels, factors affecting their confidence, and relationships between skills, confidence and demographic characteristics. Methods : Quantitative and qualitative techniques were used: pre-and post-tests to measure changes in students' skills and self-assessed confidence levels after two key sessions in their first semester ( n = 29); semi-structured interviews to explore factors affecting confidence ( n = 5). Results : Findings demonstrated positive impacts on skills and confidence. Key areas of skill development included: identifying journal articles, selecting search terms and evaluating website quality. Factors affecting confidence included: successful 'mastery' experiences in searching for information and the programme itself, especially small-group sessions, handouts and staff support. Evidence on links between skills, confidence and demographic factors was inconclusive. Conclusions : The study demonstrated the programme's effectiveness and identified areas for development, including the need to help students understand the relative merits of search engines and other sources. Evidence has contributed to a change in departmental policy, making attendance at sessions mandatory. Further studies have been recommended.

Exploring the information seeking behavior of Greek graduate students: A case study set in the University of Macedonia

“…However, having in mind the whole picture of respondents' information literacy skills, the way they used information and evaluated it did not indicate a high level of skill. Therefore, the results of the present study are in conflict with many results reported in the relevant literature (Branch, 2003;Brunton, 2007;Craig & Corrall, 2007;Kai-Wah Chu & Law, 2008;Samson, 2010;Tramullas & Casabon, 2010;Urquhart & Rowley, 2007). In addition, more than half of the students claimed that they had not attended a library instruction program (62%) and also that they had never or very seldom consulted a librarian (63%).…”

“…) in the information seeking process (Branch, 2003;Barrett, 2005;George et al, 2006;Griffiths & Brophy, 2005;Patitungkho & Deshpande, 2005;Vezzosi, 2009). In relation to the influential role of librarians, some studies have indicated the influence of library instruction or other information literacy programs on information seeking behavior (Branch, 2003;Brunton, 2007;Craig & Corrall, 2007;Kai-Wah Chu & Law, 2008;Samson, 2010;Tramullas & Casabon, 2010;Urquhart & Rowley, 2007).…”

Learning from research on the information behaviour of healthcare professionals: a review of the literature 2004–2008 with a focus on emotion

“… Self‐confidence. Craig and Corrall note increased self‐confidence when studying information literacy skills of nurses in the UK 35 …”

Setting the Course: Revisiting the Dawn of Nursing Information Literacy Scholarship in the Work of Fox, Richter and White

“…These positive findings provided justification for scores of curriculumintegrated nursing IL programs and worked their way into many subsequent studies (Barnard, Nash, & O'Brien, 2005;Brettle, 2003;Brettle & Raynor, 2013;Carter-Templeton, 2011;Craig & Corrall, 2007;Eimas & Barton, 2001;Grant & Brettle, 2006;Jette, Tribble, Gagnon, & Mathieu, 2010;Meneses Placeres, 2008a, 2008bMorgan, Fogel, Hicks, Wright, & Tyler, 2007;Nodarse Rodríguez, 2005;Rush, 2008;Saranto & Hovenga, 2004;Shorten, Wallace & Crookes, 2001;Tronstad, Phillips, Garcia, & Harlow, 2009;Weinert & Palmer, 2007;Wright & McGurk, 2000). Authors occasionally described the work with words like "seminal" (Craig & Corrall, 2007).…”