Piloting a dedicated information literacy programme for nursing students at Waterford Institute of Technology libraries

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the pilot information literacy programme for undergraduate nursing students as recently developed at Waterford Institute of Technology (WIT) libraries. The paper outlines the background to the programme, discusses its design and delivery and summarises participating students' initial response to it.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper takes a broadly practical, case study approach in terms of recounting experiences of designing and delivering a dedicated information literacy programme for undergraduate nursing students at WIT.

Findings

Although the project is still at an early or pilot stage, the feedback from the undergraduate students who attended training is very positive. The fact that the programme was so well received in its first year of operation is encouraging and inspiring, going forward.

Practical implications

The paper should be of interest to anyone involved in developing information literacy programmes or in the supply of information to nursing students.

Originality/value

This paper is likely to be of practical interest to academic librarians, who are looking for a fresh approach to information literacy training for undergraduate nursing students at third level institutions of similar scale and size to WIT.

Citation

Hegarty, N. and Carbery, A. (2010), "Piloting a dedicated information literacy programme for nursing students at Waterford Institute of Technology libraries", Library Review, Vol. 59 No. 8, pp. 606-614. https://doi.org/10.1108/00242531011073137