MA Library & Information Services Management student Wafa shares her experiences from the LILAC Conference 2024.
I was fortunate to receive one of two #LILAC24 Conference bursaries that took place in Leeds, generously provided by the wonderful Information School! I always make the most of ‘library world’ events, but this was by far the most enlightening and thought-provoking conference I have ever attended.
It was my first visit to Leeds, and I made the most of it. I joined the local library (housed in a beautiful Grade II listed building), took a late-night stroll around town, and visited the grand mosque, where I happily stumbled across adorable bunnies in the Leeds University Eco Garden! The city is filled with culture and numerous higher education institutions, making it an excellent choice for a conference focused on information literacy.
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Top Left: Mila the Media and Information Literacy Alliance turtle crocheted by Eva Garcia Grau Top Right: Me and my library card from Leeds Central Library Bottom Left: Bunnies in the Leeds University Eco Garden 🐰 Bottom Right: My rich lilaced notebook, which I am still using post - LILAC24! |
Keynotes and Parallel Sessions
- Maha Bali
KEYNOTE: Teaching Critical AI Literacy
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| Maha Bali Keynote on Critical AI Literacy |
PARALLEL SESSION: ‘Selling’ information literacy to the business school through alignment with the employability agenda in higher education
This talk underscored the importance of making information literacy applicable to business students post-graduation. During the workshop, we were divided into groups to research information on different companies. My group explored the positive, negative, and controversial aspects of Nestlé, which was particularly insightful given my role at a university with many international students in business and finance programs.
The workshop allowed us to experiment with teaching activities and think about how they could be adapted for various student audiences. Attendees were encouraged to discuss how the focus on employability in higher education influences their practices, and to share their experiences and tips. The discussion also covered designing IL teaching objectives and activities that align with an employability-focused curriculum and the strategic goals of the institution, while also promoting IL as a vital life and business skill for all students.
Anna-Lena Hoh
PARALLEL SESSION: Plagiarism and AI tools: an example of linking information- and digital literacy in your teaching
This presentation emphasised the evolving role of academic libraries as generative AI becomes increasingly common to utilise by students in their assessments. The speaker, an Information Specialist in Digital Literacy, discussed integrating information literacy and digital literacy, particularly in the context of using AI tools to detect plagiarism. She also outlined plans to further blend these literacies, especially in areas like resource discovery, and offered suggestions for incorporating them into institutions' curricula.
PARALLEL SESSION: Co-producing research priorities for health information literacy in marginalised communities
Pam McKinney from the iSchool presented a Knowledge Exchange (KE) project aimed at forming partnerships with marginalised communities in Sheffield to co-develop research priorities for Health Information Literacy (HIL). The project focused on the Romani, Somali (ISRAAC), and Yemeni (ACT) communities, addressing barriers such as language and digital divides in accessing health information.
The workshops highlighted the crucial role of community centres as reliable information sources and the challenges these communities face with NHS digital services due to limited digital literacy and English proficiency. The project underscored the importance of involving communities in creating tailored health information resources and training NHS staff. This presentation was particularly relevant to my own research on the difficulties older internet users encountered during the post-pandemic lockdowns, where a shift to digital services exposed similar barriers.
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Screenshot from my X account of Pam Mckinney and her presenting her project - https://bit.ly/x-lilac1 |
April Manabat
PARALLEL SESSION: Thriving overseas: finding the niche as an Instruction Librarian in a foreign land
As I contemplate my career prospects after graduation, I consider which sector I might enter, how different types of information services could build on what I've learned at Sheffield, and where I might apply my decade of library experience. I envision myself as a nomadic librarian or information professional, ready to explore opportunities wherever they arise.
This enlightening talk featured a seasoned library professional from the Philippines who discussed her journey of relocating to a new country, stepping out of her comfort zone, and addressing imposter syndrome. She shared her transition from primarily working as a Cataloguing Librarian to embracing the role of a Reference Librarian.
Katie Blocksidge and Hanna Primeau
PARALLEL SESSION: "Typically, I keep looking for a little bit longer": examining changes in students
This presentation explored how the COVID-19 pandemic and the shift to emergency remote teaching impacted first-year students at Ohio State University. The pandemic forced students to adapt their search strategies and information evaluation methods, with an increased reliance on peer networks. The study examined changes in students' behaviours before and after the pandemic, revealing that the pandemic led to greater frustration and reduced persistence compared to pre-pandemic times.
The parallel talk investigated how the pandemic had shifted students' information landscapes and the role of librarians in supporting students during this period. The session provided attendees with insights on designing more relevant and effective information literacy support to assist students as they navigated their academic careers.
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| Screenshot of the presenters finding’s on student’s emotions at Ohio State |
Paul Newnham and Clare Shaikh
PARALLEL SESSION: Widening participation, information literacy and the transition to university: reflections and initial findings from Lancaster University’s Library Schools Engagement Project
This presentation reveals findings from a research project designed to support 6th form students working on their Extended Project Qualification (EPQ). The project aimed to enhance students' information literacy and address widening participation in higher education.
The information literacy sessions helped students transition from 6th form to university, while the widening participation efforts aimed to increase students' awareness of higher education and improve their employability and integration at Lancaster University, especially for students from underrepresented backgrounds.
Using a mixed-methods approach, including pre- and post-project surveys, interviews, fieldwork, observations, focus groups, and summative evaluation, the research highlighted the benefits of developing information literacy skills and the importance of metacognitive skills in the learning process. Findings also offered insights into non-higher education pathways and how academic libraries could better support students.
Laura Woods, Pam McKinney, Alison Hicks and Katie Wise
PARALLEL SESSION: Demystifying research
This talk offered valuable insights into pursuing a career in research or becoming published. Although I hadn't previously considered myself a researcher, I've developed an interest in it through attending this interview and working on my final research project at the University of Sheffield. It has become clear that to succeed in research, you must be passionate about your chosen topic and build a strong connection with it over a long period.
The session highlighted several learning outcomes: gaining an understanding of the various possibilities for being research-active as a librarian, discussing potential research topics and routes, and networking with other librarians interested in research. Inspired by the talk, I am now exploring research opportunities further and have joined the Delta Generation Network, which is affiliated with the University of Sheffield.
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| Infographic! By Laura Woods. |
Marianne Chiu-Lezeau
PARALLEL SESSION: "I have no idea who I’d even ask": information literacy and dissemination amongst young recently arrived adult immigrants in Montreal, Canada
I had an extensive discussion with Marianne during the networking evening about her parallel talk, which closely aligned with my research project on information barriers faced by marginalised groups seeking services.
Her research focuses on young adults arriving in Montreal, Canada, and examines how these young immigrants seek and evaluate information, where they seek advice, and the effectiveness of the information they receive. The research covered the information-seeking behaviours of these immigrants, their methods of evaluating and sharing information, and the strategies employed by advisors to adapt to evolving contexts. The recommendations aim to enhance the dissemination of accurate and helpful information to support young adult group in making informed socio-professional and life decisions.
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| Screenshot from my X account of Marianne Chiu-Lezeau’s slide from her presentation - https://bit.ly/x-lilac2 |
My Reflections
My concluding thoughts on the conference are that it provided a solid foundation for my future as an information professional, and I would highly recommend attending a future LILAC Conference event.
I had the pleasure of reconnecting with familiar faces from past events and ex-colleagues across various information sectors, which was a wonderful opportunity to catch up and network with new individuals. I am particularly excited about joining and contributing to the ILG New Professionals Group, which hosted a networking breakfast session each morning. It was inspiring to meet others who are also seeking their first professional opportunity and to share experiences and aspirations.
I am deeply grateful to the iSchool for awarding me a bursary to attend LILAC 2024. Special thanks to Pam McKinney for her guidance during the conference and for being a supportive professor in the INF6553 - Information Literacy module. I made valuable connections, enjoyed working with a fantastic iSchool student partner, Jodie, and had an overall enriching and enjoyable experience.
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