Information Literacy Policy

Document type: Rule/Policy/Plan/Guidelines/Operating Procedures
Administering entity: Librarian
Date approved: 02 Apr 09
Latest amendment date: 29 Apr 09
Approved by: (Academic Board / Principal)
Indicative time for review: Annual
Responsibility for review: Principal

1 Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to provide assistance to students enrolled with Top Education to develop their information literacy. Top Education supports the development of information literacy skills through information literacy classes, online tutorials, the provision of a library and professional library staff. The objective is to assist students to develop Information Literacy skills to enable them to independently access information resources and to facilitate lifelong learning.
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2 Scope
This policy refers to the information resources available at Top Education’s in-house Library and the students currently enrolled with Top Education.

3 Definitions
For the purposes of this document the accepted definition of “information literacy”, is as defined by the American Library Association in 1989: To be information literate, a person must be able to recognize when information is needed and have the ability to locate, evaluate, and use effectively the needed information".

4 Procedures
4.1 Information Literacy classes
4.1.1 A variety of Information Literacy classes will be held by Top Education teaching and library staff throughout the academic year. Library classes will be available to all students and additional classes may be requested by teaching staff. 
Topics covered:
• Introduction to finding and using Library resources – an introductory class aimed at new students and students wanting to refresh their basic information access skills.
• Internet research skills – an introduction to internet research and evaluation of internet sites.
• Research strategies - introduction and advanced level classes.
• ProQuest databases – using online journals for research.
• Referencing – referencing skills for assignment writing.
4.1.2 Academic teaching staff will support the development of Information Literacy skills through classes and use assignments to develop and evaluate the information literacy skills.

4.2  Online tutorials
To support Information Literacy classes and provide students with an additional source of information and assistance. Online tutorials will be available on Top Education’s website for enrolled students to access at any time.
Topics covered:
• Using the Library catalogue
• Research strategies – Introductory level
• Introduction to ProQuest
• Internet research skills.
• A student’s guide to copyright

4.3  Library Services
4.3.1 Top Education provides a high quality in-house Library service, managed by an experienced and qualified Librarian.
Top Education Institute’s Library provides:
• A relevant library collection in a range of formats including online databases for research.
• Professional library staff to assist students.
• An up to date library management system with searchable a catalogue, by author, title and subject.
4.3.2 Additional external library services are also available to students, including access to all students to Sydney University’s Fisher Library and access to the CPA Library on request.

5 Related Documents
i. Library Rules and Procedures
ii. Course Evaluation - students