Building information research skills in the Pacific region: The University of the South Pacific Initiative

Alenzuela, Reysa and Fong, Elizabeth C. and Bloss, Jamie and Chambers, Vasiti (2019) Building information research skills in the Pacific region: The University of the South Pacific Initiative. Global Knowledge, Memory and Communication, TBC . TBC. ISSN 2514-9342

PDF - Published Version Restricted to Repository staff only Download (237kB) | Request a copy

Abstract

Purpose – Information literacy (IL) enables individuals to discover new ways of thinking and new
knowledge across a range of platforms, tools and media. It hopes to enable them to fit into the world of
research and scholarly communication. This paper aims to describe the development and current practices in
IL program at the University of the South Pacific (USP). This case study puts emphasis on how IL at USP
reflects the educational priorities of the University and the region. Discussions on socio-cultural context hope
to provide insights on developing a framework based on global standards that address the cultural aspect
within students’ learning environment in the 12 member countries.
Design/methodology/approach – This paper mainly used desktop research and document analysis to
present the IL model which is cohesively embedded within the University’s strategic plan and research skills
development framework.
Findings – The results are summarized in three sections: paradigms and models as basis, current content
and mode of delivery, methodologies and design for instruction and socio-cultural insights.
Research limitations/implications – At present, this study will cover Fiji (the Main Campus) and
Vanuatu (School of Law). Other member countries with USP presence such as Cook Islands, Kiribati,
Marshall Islands, Nauru, Niue, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga and Tuvalu are considered
as part of the future design. Ultimately, a comprehensive model that is applicable for 21 other
campuses in the ten member countries will be designed. It also hopes to be replicable in the entire
Pacific context.
Practical implications – This study provides baseline data to develop future strategies for
implementation in the regional level.
Originality/value – This paper deals with definitional issues of IL related to Pacific cultural contexts that
goes beyond a single country, one national identity as it deals with 11 countries, a different model for
networked paradigm for IL.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Subjects:	Z Bibliography. Library Science. Information Resources > Z665 Library Science. Information Science
Divisions:	Office of the DVC (ARC): Library
Depositing User:	Fulori Nainoca - Waqairagata
Date Deposited:	25 Mar 2019 00:09
Last Modified:	25 Mar 2019 00:09
URI:	https://repository.usp.ac.fj/id/eprint/11418

Actions (login required)

View Item