Information literacy for researchers assess yourself

Are you an information literate researcher? Take a look at the statements and examples
below, and grade yourself from 1 -5, where 1 is poor and 5 is excellent. Use some of the
suggested support to boost your knowledge and confidence.

Statement Example Grade

I analyse my information needs
before I start looking for
information
I define keywords and phrases,
use mind mapping techniques,
talk to relevant colleagues, find
background information

See the section Finding the Focus in the Research Observatory
http://ro.uwe.ac.uk/RenderPages/RenderHomePage.aspx
Use the Finding Information section of the Universitys Study Skills site.
http://www1.uwe.ac.uk/students/studysupport/studyskills/findinginformation.aspx

I choose sources appropriately I dont just stick to Google or
Google Scholar. I try using
different sources of information
such as books, databases,
reports, websites as appropriate

I am familiar with the best
databases to use for my research
I know which databases are
available at UWE to support my
research, and who to ask for
advice in their use

For assistance in selecting appropriate resources, have a look at the librarys web pages for your
subject at http://www1.uwe.ac.uk/library/yoursubject.aspx. You can also contact your subject
librarians; see the list at
http://www1.uwe.ac.uk/library/yoursubject/subjectlibrariansstudents/byfacultyandsubject.aspx

I can exploit databases effectively
and efficiently
I can use advanced database
searching if I need to. I can
combine keywords and limit
searches

I think about my search strategy,
and can make changes if I need
to
I reflect on what is working and
change my approach if
necessary

I know how to ask questions to
help me retrieve information
I can use appropriate language,
and re-phrase if necessary.

For a quick reminder of search strategies and search techniques, have a look at the Finding
Information section of the University Study Skills site.
http://www1.uwe.ac.uk/students/studysupport/studyskills/findinginformation.aspx
Sign up for the session Guide to searching and storing the literature, via the events page
http://info.uwe.ac.uk/events/eventlisting.aspx?categoryID=43

I can gather brand new data
when required
I can design and create surveys,
gather data, carry out interviews.

Information is available in the Research Methods section of the Research Observatory
http://ro.uwe.ac.uk/RenderPages/RenderHomePage.aspx
Use Library Search to locate books or journal articles on research methodology
http://www1.uwe.ac.uk/library/



I know how to keep up to date
with newly published information


I know how to access general
and subject specific current
awareness services

Information on general current awareness services can be found at
http://www1.uwe.ac.uk/library/usingthelibrary/servicesforresearchers/currentawareness.aspx
Individual subject specific databases will also often provide their own current awareness services.
I understand how to interpret
information from different
resources
I understand how search
engines rank results, I know how
to choose appropriate results
from a database search, I can
sort results sensibly.


I understand that different
sources provide different types
and quality of information

I can explain the differences
between scholarly journals,
professional journals and
popular journals

I evaluate the quality of the
information that I find
I use appropriate criteria such as
currency, bias and authority to
assess information

For information on how to evaluate information sources, try visiting the Reviewing the Literature
section of the Research Observatory:
http://ro.uwe.ac.uk/RenderPages/RenderRoom.aspx?Context=7&Area=1&Room=2
or the Evaluating Information section of the University Study Skills site.
http://www1.uwe.ac.uk/students/studysupport/studyskills/findinginformation.aspx

I can understand the information
that I find, and can analyse and
synthesise it appropriately.
I can summarise, reword and
collate information from several
sources

Information is available via the Synthesising the Literature section of the Research Observatory:
http://ro.uwe.ac.uk/RenderPages/RenderHomePage.aspx.

I recognise the legal and ethical
aspects of using other peoples
work
I understand copyright and
plagiarism, and can reference
materials correctly.

For a quick reminder about copyright and plagiarism, visit the Plagiarism section of Reading and
Writing at the University Study Skills site.
http://www1.uwe.ac.uk/students/studysupport/studyskills.aspx
Or, have a look at the Plagiarism and IPR section of the Research Observatory, available via
http://ro.uwe.ac.uk/RenderPages/RenderHomePage.aspx
For help with referencing styles, see the Guide to Referencing section of the University Study Skills
site http://www1.uwe.ac.uk/students/studysupport/studyskills.aspx
Workshops on using Refworks (a reference management system) are run throughout the year at
Frenchay and Glenside, with occasional sessions at Bower Ashton. Book onto a workshop via the
form at http://info.uwe.ac.uk/events/eventlisting.aspx, or sign up for a Guide to Searching and
Storing the Literature session via the events page
http://info.uwe.ac.uk/events/eventlisting.aspx?categoryID=43

I am aware of the scholarly
communication debate
I can explain why there is a
movement to publish material on
open access

I understand the role of research
repositories
I know about local and national
repositories, and how to access

them.
To access UWEs Research Repository, visit www.eprints.uwe.ac.uk.
For more information on open access publishing, and other repositories, visit
http://www1.uwe.ac.uk/library/usingthelibrary/servicesforresearchers/researchrepository.aspx

I understand the need to manage
my research data
I can manage my data in an
appropriate, safe and effective
way

Data management is emerging as a critical consideration for researchers. For more information visit
http://www1.uwe.ac.uk/library/usingthelibrary/servicesforresearchers/datamanagement.aspx
For lots of general advice, visit the website of the national experts at the Digital Curation Centre at
www.dcc.ac.uk
For UWE specific guidance, see web pages at
http://www1.uwe.ac.uk/library/usingthelibrary/researchers/manageresearchdata/managingresearchdat
a/guidance.aspx
For an introduction, sign up for the workshop Data management best practice
http://info.uwe.ac.uk/events/eventlisting.aspx?page=2&categoryID=43

I can access communication
networks in my research area
I know about appropriate mailing
lists, conferences, professional
networks

For some general information, have a look at
http://www1.uwe.ac.uk/library/usingthelibrary/servicesforresearchers/networkanddevelop.aspx

I can write in a way which is
appropriate for my intended
audience
I understand different writing
styles

See the Conclusions and Reflection section of the Research Observatory
http://ro.uwe.ac.uk/RenderPages/RenderHomePage.aspx


General advice on using the Library is available at all times via the online Ask a Librarian
service, at http://www1.uwe.ac.uk/library/

Adapted with permission from Being an Information Literate Researcher. Moira Bent & Helen Blanchett, Newcastle University.