Information Literacy: A Plug-and-Play Approach

This paper reflects on issues raised by the development of an information literacy module for first-year undergraduate students at the University of North London. Information literacy is defined as an essential attribute of the independent learner, consisting of ICT skills as well as more complex information handling competences. The discussion focuses on how the module aims to develop generic, transferable IL skills and to foster a transition to a more independent learning mode. The module is customised to address the needs of a variety of disciplines through the implementation of a ‘plug-and-play’ structure and a range of delivery strategies to support students with diverse IL skills at the point of entry.