The document discusses the role of librarians and knowledge specialists in supporting the transition to online teaching and learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. It notes that information literacy is important for developing critical thinking skills and engaging as informed citizens. A survey found that librarians helped with skills like evaluating information, using databases, referencing, and dealing with misinformation. Common technologies used included web conferencing, learning tools, and video creation tools. Challenges included student engagement and digital literacy, while opportunities included developing online teaching skills and reaching more students. The document provides case studies of librarians adapting information literacy sessions online.

1. The 'Digital Pivot’ –
the role of librarians and knowledge
specialists in moving teaching and
learning online
Dr Jane Secker
Chair CILIP Information
Literacy Group
Senior Lecturer
City, University of London
19th November 2020
Photo by Samantha Borges on Unsplash

2. 23 March 2020: UK Lockdown

3. Information Literacy is……
“…the ability to think critically and make
balanced judgements about any information
we find and use. It empowers us as citizens to
develop informed views and to engage fully
with society.”
CILIP Definition of Information Literacy 2018

4. IL in a time of crisis
Tackling
misinformat
about
Digital
to support
learning
Information
digital
teaching
Sharing
practice

5. ILG Statement – 31 July 2020
“With the move to greater
use of online training and
education, we wish to raise
awareness of the roles that
library and knowledge
specialists can play in
improving the quality of
online education and
training resources. We
strongly advise teachers,
lecturers and trainers to
take advantage of the
expertise of librarians and
knowledge specialists.”
https://infolit.org.uk/the-role-of-library-and-knowledge-specialists-in-moving-
education-and-training-online/

6. CILIP Statement
on COVID-19
“We urge the Government to
work with CILIP to bring forward
a public programme of support
for health, digital and
information literacy, so that
individual citizens can be
empowered to
make informed choices both
about their own welfare and the
safety of those around them”
Nick Poole, CEO, CILIP

7. Findings from a survey*
Run by ILG in July 2020 with thanks to Sarah Pavey

8. What subjects are being taught?
Finding and
evaluating
information
Using specific
databases and
resources
Referencing or
plagiarism
Dealing with
mis/dis information
/ fake news
Copyright, open
access or scholarly
communication
Academic writing

9. Which technologies are used?
WEBINAR PLATFORMS GOOGLE TOOLS LECTURE RECORDING
SYSTEMS
ONLINE LEARNING
TOOLS
ONLINE RESOURCES VOTING / QUIZ TOOLS VIDEO CREATION
TOOLS

10. What are the challenges?
Student engagement – actual and perceived
Technical difficulties e.g. wifi problems, old tech
Time - preparing materials learning new tools
Student digital literacy issues
Balancing work / life
Lack of support / training

11. Where are the opportunities?
DEVELOPING
ONLINE
TEACHING SKILLS
FLEXIBILITY (FOR
STAFF AND
STUDENTS)
REACHING
GREATER
NUMBERS
INCREASED
DEMAND FOR IL

12. Panel discussion:
challenges and opportunities of the Digital Pivot
Dr Crystal Fulton
University College
Dublin
Dr Claire McGuinness
University College
Dublin
Hossam Kassem
Open University

13. Case studies: shifting IL teaching online
https://infolit.org.uk/category/online-teaching-case-studies/

14. IL case study 1: Ian Clark
Academic Services Librarian (Psychology)
University of East London
Combined interest in photography and social media into
making video presentations
Discovered new techniques to improve video quality
Learned about most appropriate platforms to use
https://infolit.org.uk/case-study-shifting-your-il-teaching-online-ian-clark/

15. IL case study 2: Delyth Morris
Subject Librarian (Medicine)
University of Cardiff
4th year medical students literature search delivered via
Panopto
Supplemented new presentation with existing resources.
Created a discussion board as alternative to emails
Recording and subtitles improved accessibility
https://infolit.org.uk/case-study-shifting-your-il-teaching-online-delyth-morris/

16. IL case study 3: Lesley English
Faculty Librarian (Teaching & Learning)
Lancaster University
MSc dissertation writing workshops using MS Teams
Co presented with Faculty Librarian (Science & Technology)
2 x 1 hour session with a break based on examining marking of
exemplar past work
Break out rooms proved better than chat as this is not
anonymous in MS Teams
https://infolit.org.uk/case-study-shifting-your-il-teaching-online-2/

17. Thank you
Any questions?
@jsecker
Jane.Secker@city.ac.uk
informationliteracy.org.uk

18. Further reading
CILIP (2020, Nov 5) Statement on COVID-19
https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.cilip.org.uk/resource/resmgr/cilip/information_profession
al_and_news/press_releases/2020_11_covid-
19_response/cilip_statement_on_new_covid.pdf
CILIP (2018) Definition of Information Literacy. Available at https://infolit.org.uk/new-il-
definition/
Hodges, C., Moore, S., Lockee, B., Trust, T. and Bond, A. (2020) The Difference between
Emergency Remote Teaching and Online Learning. Available at:
https://er.educause.edu/articles/2020/3/the-difference-between-emergency-remote-
teaching-and-online-learning
Information Literacy Group (2020) COVID-19 and information literacy: a selective list of
resources. Available at: https://infolit.org.uk/further-reading/covid-19-and-il/
Information Literacy Group (2020) Statement on the role of library and information
professionals in moving education and training online. Available at:
https://infolit.org.uk/the-role-of-library-and-knowledge-specialists-in-moving-education-
and-training-online/
InformALL (2020) Information Literacy for School Education. Available at:
https://www.informall.org.uk/news/il-school-education/