Participatory Action Research and Information Literacy: Revising an Old New Hope for Research and Practice

Abstract

Abstract. This paper is a starting of a research which points toward constructing the basis for a research agenda integrating Participatory Action Research (PAR) into Information Literacy (IL) research and practice. In order to achieve this goal: a) we enumerate some pros and cons of using such methodology on IL with the pertinent literature and our own practice as IL researchers; b) we have developed a questionnaire to gather some insights from the research community in this matter; and c) we will start to seek an understanding of the possible contributions that a PAR-IL research agenda can bring to the field. The integration of PAR into IL research and practice is discussed from the three possible methodological stances: quantitative, qualitative, and a mixed methods perspective. Furthermore, we enumerate some of the pros, cons, hesitations and eagerness that researchers might have toward the idea of using PAR.

Two Years of Information Culture Development for Supporting Higher Education: Initiatives, Teacher’s Perceptions and Future Actions

“…IL experts have highlighted their advantages and purposes, among others: problem solving, decision-making, emancipation, citizenship, overcoming different forms of oppression and divides, critical thinking, and lifelong learning [1]. These purposes may be fulfilled by IL initiatives, are part of worldwide tendencies that seek to develop IL to support learning processes, and are present in the vision of CETYS Universidad [2] in Mexico under the umbrella term 'Information Culture' (IC).…”

“…In consequence, these needs and expectations shaped this IL program. Given the importance placed on participation, IL, DL, reflection and improvement upon learning and teaching practices, ICD has been driven by the methodological tradition of action research (AR) [1], [6][7] as well as in the dichotomy between research and practice [8], because ICD intends to position the SL as a research unit of the institution, which would feed learning processes and apply the research 519 approaches of SL's activities, use, and professionalize their non-professional staff. This new position of the SL, following the guidelines of P2020 [2], seeks to generate institutional conditions for academic staff to enhance research.…”

Piloting a Holistic Information Culture Program: The Experience of CETYS Universidad System of Libraries

“…Several academics and experts have written about IL, generally associating it with problem solving, decision making, emancipation and the exercise of citizenship, the overcoming of different forms of oppression and divides, critical thinking, and lifelong learning [1]. Many of these purposes fulfilled by an IL initiative are part of the worldwide tendencies seeking to support learning processes and are present in the vision of CETYS Universidad [2].…”

“…Many of these purposes fulfilled by an IL initiative are part of the worldwide tendencies seeking to support learning processes and are present in the vision of CETYS Universidad [2]. Hence, the IL program described in this document is grounded in both national [3] and international guidelines [4], as well as in sound research agendas [1], [5]. Apart from IL, it is also a priority for the program to develop digital literacy (DL), which refers to the 'proper use' of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) for teaching and learning; and institutional needs also point toward addressing academic communication and research competences [6].…”

“…Framing IL initiatives within AR is nothing extravagant [14,15]; it is just something that has not been widely or properly stated by researchers and practitioners *1+. In fact, ICD's vision is that all its activities must be grounded in research [1,10,15,16], because among other things, ICD seeks to position the SL as a research unit of the institution, which would feed learning processes and apply the scientific method to the SL's activities, use, and professionalize their non-professional staff. This new position of the SL, following the guidelines of P2020 [2], seeks to generate institutional conditions for academic staff to enhance research.…”