Information skills exemplar materials
These materials are provided as examples of some of the ways in which library and information skills can be developed through activities based in the school library resource centre.
The downloads are arranged under the headings suggested by James Herring's PLUS model and contain activities and notes for teachers and librarians delivering an information skills course.
Please feel free to adapt these materials.
Purpose
01: Word file: The purpose of your research – Asking questions (43KB)
These notes, accompanied by a worksheet, outline the importance of purposeful information seeking. They show how planning research using diagrams and headings can be useful.
02: Word file: The purpose of your research – Choosing keywords (77KB)
This worksheet gives pupils practice in choosing and using keywords. The importance of effective use of keywords is highlighted in relation to searching the internet using search engines. Pupils are shown that keywords can be used to widen a search for information on a particular topic if the first search proves unsuccessful, or to narrow down a set of information if too much information is initially retrieved.
Location
03: Word file: Locating information – Books or computers? (39KB)
In this framework for a class discussion, pupils are asked to consider the advantages and disadvantages of computer-based information as opposed to more traditional print-based information sources.
04: Word file: Locating information – Non-fiction books (190KB)
This worksheet may be used as a basic library orientation exercise to introduce the layout of the non-fiction section. The basics of the Dewey decimal classification are touched on briefly. However, it is more important that pupils know how to find out the particular class number for a subject (by using a catalogue, subject posters or shelf-guides) than that they understand the theory behind the system. Pupils are encouraged to become aware of the wide range of non-fiction subjects – including some new and possibly unfamiliar subjects.
05: Word file: Locating information – Print resources (55KB)
Notes and activities on how to use print resources.
06: Word file: Locating information – An information challenge (31KB)
An activity based on trying to answer a series of questions as quickly as possible using print and electronic reference sources.
07: Word file: Locating information – Sources of information (44KB) Notes and a flow diagram exploring the different sources of information available today.
08: Word file: Locating information – On the internet (431KB)
Notes on developing effective search strategies on the internet and on evaluating websites.
Use
09: Word file: Using information – Making a bibliography (55KB)
A worksheet showing the main parts of a book and the basics (title, author, publisher, date) of bibliographic referencing. Pupils pick a topic of interest to them, find relevant titles in the library and present a small bibliography.
10: Word file: Using information – Skimming and scanning (392KB)
Information about skimming and scanning techniques and simple activities designed to help pupils to practise these skills.
11: Word file: Using information – Writing frame for note-taking (38KB)
A simple frame to assist planning, researching and taking notes for a short piece of informational writing based on materials available in the school library resource centre.
12: Word file: Using information – Functional writing frame (27KB)
A Word document that can be used a template for pupils to type their final draft of a short piece of functional writing, based on a research topic carried out in the school library resource centre. It includes spaces for clip art or graphics, and for a bibliography.
13: Word file: Using information – Presentation skills (29KB)
Notes for pupils on how to present information neatly and effectively.
Self-evaluation
14: Word file: Self-evaluation – Information skills questionnaires (117KB)
Notes on how to encourage pupils to evaluate their own information skills and examples of skills checklists for both pupil and teacher use.