Developing Research Excellence and Methods

I really enjoyed listening to Professor Nick Moore from Acumen at the LIS DREaM 3 workshop discuss his experience at the Policy Studies Institute, where he worked on a number of research projects designed to influence policy. Much of what he had experienced / said rang bells with me through my work on the Scottish Information Literacy Project where we were trying to and did influence policy. 

His account of developing some form of conceptual framework for the work he was doing in order to make sense of exactly what was meant by “information policy” was interesting and useful. His Information Policy Matrix - see below

was used to

• see what there was
• identify gaps
• seize opportunities for research and influence then
• create opportunities for dissemination and debate 
• building relationships and networks.

Lessons / action points that can be used in any endeavor.

With regard to research he said that

“The most difficult part of formulating your research is expressing the aim in one, clear, unambiguous sentence. ”

Think of the one minute elevator pitch.

His general lessons were all useful:

• Interest and passion are essential
• Stay ahead of the curve
• Be part of an influential organisation 
• Build networks and relationships
• Retain your independence
• Luck plays a big part.

It was great that he reflected on the mistakes he had made including covering too much, getting too far ahead of the curve, not giving enough time to thinking and not encouraging enough criticism. 

I think in this fast paced world we live in that if you don't look busy then you are not doing anything. It is important to have time to think about things. I like to put things on the 'back burner' so that they can simmer away. Often things that you are having a problem with can become clearer if you give yourself a break and some time.  Some of my eureka moments have come when I am doing other things. Going for some fresh air and a walk can help - don't know if it is the fresh air or the physical movement.

Have a look at his presentation, slides and session summary on the LIS Research Coalition DREaM event 3: Making the bullets for others to fire

Received my copy of Library Trends Information literacy beyond the academy. Part 1: Towards policy formulation. Vol. 60 (2) Fall 2011

It is an American academic journal, in print it looks more like a book than a journal. It was meant to be published in the autumn (that's the Fall for Americans) but the editing took longer then the printer was busy. Anyway it is now published  and for those with appropriate authorization the electronic copy is available at http://muse.jhu.edu/journals/library_trends/

John Crawford was behind the idea and it has taken nearly two years to come to publication but it is worth the wait. As he says in a recent announcement

Of the three main areas of information literacy: policy development, process analysis and product development ( the production of learning and teaching materials) it is the last of these three which has  received most attention and usually in an educational context, and frequently higher education. The publication of two special issues of Library trends, the American academic journal,  seeks to address this issue, both being on the general theme of information literacy beyond the academy.  Part 1: Towards policy formulation. Vol. 60 (2) Fall 2011 is now appearing. The articles review information literacy policy making at both international and national levels and includes a thoughtful analysis of workplace information literacy issues. The authors include internationally known authorities including, Woody Horton, Annemaree Lloyd and Sharon Weiner.

My article appears alongside these authors, it is titled National Information Literacy Framework (Scotland): Pioneering Work to Influence Policy Making or Tinkering at the Edges?  It is a descriptive / reflexive piece looking back at the work I and John Crawford did. It is also a record of our work and hopefully will inspire others to have believe in themselves (self efficacy - an area of interest of mine) and what they are doing.

It was a learning experience to write for an American publication. The review process, copy editing etc were rigorous but whilst at times it seemed frustrating I think it has stretched me as a writer.

There is a second issue which John hopes will appear towards Easter time and will be on the theme of Organisational issues, theoretical perspectives and practical initiatives.  Both issues are guest edited by Dr John Crawford, former
director of the Scottish Information Literacy Project.

Last June I attend an information literacy workshop at Wolfson College Cambridge. I was invited by Dr. Jane Secker and Dr. Emma Coonan of the Arcadia Project at Cambridge University Library. The workshop was for a group of experts to discuss and share their expertise in order to inform the Arcadia Project's development of a new curriculum for information literacy at Cambridge University.

The workshop was very productive and it's great to see the projects output. They have published (2011) a report entitled – A New Information Literacy Curriculum for Higher Education. Now their is a website and a video presentation which  provides  an overview of the mission and rationale for developing this curriculum.

http://infolit.org/archives/4787/a-new-information-literacy-curriculum-for-higher-ed/

It's great to see research and development work being used.