Same, same but different: Higher education, TAFE libraries and student information literacy training

Abstract

The aim of the paper is to examine the differences in information literacy (IL) practices for VET students from TAFE libraries across both Vocational only and Vocational and Higher Education delivering TAFE institutes. It will examine the content, delivery methods and barriers to IL practices across these two types of TAFE library. The purpose is to identify the barriers facing IL programmes for different student and staff cohorts and to provide suggestions on how best to tailor the IL practices to suit the particular student and teacher cohort. Design/methodology/approach – Quantitatively based online survey with librarians from Victoria’s non-dual sector TAFE libraries. Findings – The study will reveal that TAFE libraries in vocational and vocational/Higher Education libraries engage in different information literacy (IL) practices. These range across 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 were noted as factors hindering IL in specific VET TAFE libraries. Libraries catering to both HE and VET students were identified as providing a more comprehensive array of IL training. This supports the view libraries respond with the level of training they identify as meeting the IL needs of their clients and befitting their institutional status. Practical implications – The study will inform TAFE librarians and Library Managers looking to develop IL training in Vocational Education, particularly for institutes seeking to deliver Higher Education qualifications, pathways or articulation into Higher Education arrangements in the future. It updates the research on IL practices in TAFE, especially since Higher Education delivery was introduced in Victoria. It provides a broad measurement of IL skill training in Vocational Education across different types of institute. It situates IL within the information resources and services of TAFE libraries from a Vocational Education and Training perspective. Originality/value – The paper describes IL practices in Victorian TAFE libraries. The findings may be of help to librarians who want to improve on their IL programmes in non-university and vocationally orientated libraries in further education, community college and polytechnic education.