Same truth, different reality: Information literacy practices in vocational and vocational/higher education TAFE libraries

Abstract

The aim of the paper is to examine the differences in information literacy (IL) practices for VET students from TAFE libraries across Vocational only and Vocational and Higher Education delivering, TAFE institutes. It will examine the content, delivery methods and barriers of IL practices across these two types of TAFE institution with a view to identify the likely differences facing IL programs in different types of TAFE library, and to provide suggestions on how best to tailor the IL practices to suit the particular student and teacher cohort.

The study will reveal that TAFE libraries in vocational and vocational/higher education libraries engage in different information literacy (IL) practices. These range across type of orientation training, bibliographic skills, database usage, learning management system usage and marketing of IL as a lifelong skill. Barriers such as lack of interest by students and teachers, timetabling, library resourcing, definitional misunderstandings of IL in vocational education, poor online uptake and inadequate library staffing, all were noted as factors hindering IL in specific VET TAFE libraries. Libraries catering to HE, as well as VET students, were identified as providing a more sophisticated and structured approach to their VET student, embedding some higher level IL skill training in vocational specific training.

The study will inform TAFE librarians and Library Managers looking to develop IL training in vocational education, particularly for institutes seeking to deliver future higher education qualifications, pathways or articulation into Higher education arrangements. It updates the research on IL practices in TAFE, especially since the 2007 introduction of Higher Education delivery in Victoria. It provides a broad measurement of IL skill training in vocational education across different types of institute. It situates IL's role within the information resources and services of TAFE libraries from a vocational education and training perspective.

The paper describes information literacy practices in Victorian TAFE libraries. The findings may be of help to librarians who want to improve on their IL programs in non-university and vocationally orientated libraries in further education, community college and polytechnic education.