1. Agored
Unit CCZ142: Information Literacy Level 2
Candidate Logbook
Candidate Name: GINA MADDISON
Candidate Number:
Centre: LLANDRILLO
Start Date:
Finish Date:
Assessor: IAN RENNIE
Summary
In order to successfully complete this Unit, the candidate must carry out the specified practical tasks relating to Outcomes 1, 2, 3 and 4.
The tutor/assessor should fill in the topic and the date of completion against each search in the table below.
Search Topic Completion Date
Complex Search Reading Services for people with a visual impairment
I certify that all the work detailed in this logbook has been carried out unaided by the candidate named above.
Signed:…………………………………………………………. Date:…………………….
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2. The assessor should fill in the date of completion against each task in the table below.
Completion
Date
LEARNING Assessment
OUTCOMES Criteria
The learner will: The learner can:
1. Understand the
2.1
preparation a Clarify information already known using mind-mapping, brainstorming or
necessary when another technique.
choosing 2.4
b Produce an action plan including tasks, steps, locations and timelines for how
information to the information is to be gathered and the criteria used to judge it
meet a specific c Explain your chosen approach and identify possible problems. 2.5
purpose
2. Understand the a Identify how to obtain relevant information from four different sources including
1.1, 1.2, 2.2, 2.3
advantages and multiple key words relevant to the research question. Describe how to use
limitations of a range tools within sources to locate information
of information 1.3
b Compare the benefits and limitations of each type of information source.
sources.
3. Know how to gather a Search the chosen sources (using a range of strategies) to find relevant 3.1, 3.2
required information information on the topic in a range of formats including electronic and non-ICT
and assess its sources.
relevance. 3.3
b Assess how well information returned meets the criteria set in 1b.
c Describe how the information search/gathering could be improved or refined 3.4
giving suggested amendments and reasons for change
4. Be able to a Select, sort and combine information, ideas and data from different sources in a 4.1, 4.2,
communicate summarised format, using references to show where information was found and
information gained direct quotes when needed.
according to purpose 4.3, 4.4
b Communicate findings in the most appropriate format for the audience and
and audience. purpose (collate and label/reference the information provided for the user).
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3. COMPLEX SEARCH
Outcome 1: Understand the preparation necessary when choosing information to meet a specific purpose
You must complete ALL sections to obtain a pass in Outcome 1
For outcome 1 you will need to do the following:
a. Clarify information already known using mind-mapping, brainstorming or
another technique.
b. Produce an action plan including tasks, steps, locations and timelines for how
the information is to be gathered and the criteria used to judge it
c. Explain your chosen approach and identify possible problems.
1a Clarify information already known using mind-mapping, brainstorming or another technique
Task Questions asked Information gained
Clarify .As with the tutor, my knowledge did not really extend past
information A tutor in Independent Living Skills asked knowledge of Braille services. The tutor explained that there
known me to research what reading services were were many forms of visual impairment and she needed to widen
(What does the available for people with a visual impairment. her knowledge on all the services available.
user already I was particularly interested in this topic as
know about the my father in law had just developed
topic, what cataracts
information
have they found
already)
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4. Questions in white boxes apply to all enquiries. The shaded questions will depend on the nature of the enquiry (use NA if
not applicable).
1b Produce an action plan including tasks, steps, locations and timelines for how the information is to be gathered and
the criteria used to judge it
Information gained
Deadline I asked if there was a deadline but the enquiry was for general interest
only.
Quantity of information The tutor has very little knowledge of the resources and asked for
knowledge of whatever was available.
Purpose General breadth and depth of knowledge although it was also important
for her client base.
Level No level was specified. The tutor thought that some students might have
difficulty with extremely complex applications, and I knew that my father in
law would also struggle as he was 90 years old.
Support The tutor did not have time to deal with the enquiry herself. However, she
explained that some of her students would require high levels of support
ion dealing with this enquiry.
NA
Who?
The enquiry deals with reader support service applications for students
What? (or older people) with a visual impairment.
The information needed to be current as the technology changes so
When? quickly. It would be no good looking at outdated sources of information,
but some visually impaired readers do prefer Braille books and reader
services.
There were no geographical limits to the search although some, egg
Where? reader services, might needed to be locally situated.
NA
Why?
NA although information on training available for applications could have
How? been relevant.
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5. 1c Explain your chosen approach and identify possible problems.
Your approach Possible problems
Identify your approach ie which four information sources (search I could see that any hard copy books might be quickly dated.
tools not end resources) are you going to search and why?
Information sources selected will be evaluated below
Searchable Catalogue
ATHENS – access to E resources
Colleague knowledge
RNIB website with links
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6. Outcome 2: Understand the advantages and limitations of a range of information sources.
You must complete ALL sections to obtain a pass in Outcome 2
For outcome 2 you will need to do the following:
a. Identify how to obtain relevant information from four different sources including
multiple key words relevant to the research question. Describe how to use tools
within sources to locate information
b. Compare the benefits and limitations of each type of information source.
2a Identify how to obtain relevant information from four different sources including multiple key words relevant to the
research question. Describe how to use tools within sources to locate information
Information source (eg people, books, Search terms and tools
journals, audio visual, electronic)
Colleague with specialist knowledge. Grwp Llandrillo Menai teaches a Foundation
Information Source (1): Degree in Assistive Technology. I approached a tutor for her advice.
Searchable Library Catalogue, widened to include the resources of Linc y Gogledd. I
Information Source (2): was looking for recently published books, using search terms focusing on Visual
impairment and Reading.
The RNIB website contains authoritative links including information on training
Information Source (3): workshops and a bibliography of useful material and downloadable guides.
ATHENS – I searched for magazine, journal and newspaper articles. Again I used the
Information Source (4): search terms Visual Impairment and Reading Services.
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7. Make a copy of the following table for each of the four resources identified above
2b Compare the benefits and limitations of each type of information source.
Task - Benefits Limitations
Colleague
Currency My colleague gave me a copy of the prospects for the She said it was only one aspect of the range she taught,
(how up to date) Foundation Degree in Assistive Technology and was and was not sure if she updated her knowledge often
able to suggest suitable search terms and useful enough.
websites.
Accuracy I was satisfied that the information she gave me was Again this was limited to what she knew.
(how accurate) accurate as it was her specialist subject.
Authority The knowledge was based on the syllabus for the FD Possibly limited to the syllabus taught at Grwp Llandrillo
(who is the in Assistive Technology. Menai.
author)
Sufficiency The tutor was asked how much information she The professional colleague had less information on
(how much required, and how she wanted it; she said print outs traditional reader services as her specialist knowledge
information) were sufficient. My father in law requested was in Assistive Technology. Her knowledge of this was
information on traditional services only. wide and she did know where to signpost the query.
Relevance The information given was very relevant and up to Again, my colleague said she had limited knowledge of
(how date. more traditional applications but suggested that I
appropriate) approach Conwy Voluntary Services Council, as they
offered a Volunteer reading service to people with a
Visual Impairment, and the Conwy Library Service books
on CD/cassette service, books in Braille and moon, and
Large Print. There was also a housebound Service
available via the WRVS and the Public Library Service.
Bias Bias was not an issue. The tutor advised me in a NA
(How impartial) professional manner.
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8. Make a copy of the following table for each of the four resources identified above
2b Compare the benefits and limitations of each type of information source.
Task – Benefits Limitations
Searchable
Catalogue
Currency I was able to search the catalogue of Grwp Llandrillo I didn’t do an all Wales search through library.wales.org
(how up to date) Menai and all the catalogues available through Linc y although this would have been useful, and I thought I
Gogledd. should have searched some health library sites.
Accuracy The majority of the books I found were dated. Some The information contained in many of the books may
(how accurate) contained useful general information on types of now be of limited use.
visual impairment. The information on Braille was
useful as this does not date.
Authority The majority of the books were authored by the RNIB. Again, they were date limited.
(who is the
author)
Sufficiency A lot of information was given in the books, but mainly Less was available on applications to support reading.
(how much of a background type – understanding types of visual
information) impairment.
Relevance Relevant to understanding the different types of visual Not relevant in practical terms.
(how impairment
appropriate)
Bias As they were authored by reputable organisations NA
(How impartial) and professional people, the information was not
biased, eg not commercially driven.
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9. Make a copy of the following table for each of the four resources identified above
2b Compare the benefits and limitations of each type of information source.
Task – RNIB Benefits Limitations
Currency The website displayed regular updating. None that I could see.
(how up to date)
Accuracy My colleague commented that this was the most None that I could see unless someone’s access is
(how accurate) authoritative website, with links to other good limited. Much of the information on it is available in
websites, eg Share the Vision and Vision2020. other formats.
Authority Authored by the RNIB, the acknowledged experts in The information was sufficient for my purposes.
(who is the this field.
author)
Sufficiency I focused on Reader Services and found dedicated None – the links were also very useful.
(how much pages, including more traditional methods, eg Braille,
information) books on CD, and Giant Print.
Relevance By searching the website with keywords, I found None.
(how pages dedicated to Reading Services and offers of
appropriate) relevant training where ICT applications were
involved. I also looked at their library service and was
able to search their catalogue.
Bias Bias did not seem to be an issue – the RNIB seems NA – I did compare it with other websites.
(How impartial) to be a charity with no particular commercial interest.
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10. Make a copy of the following table for each of the four resources identified above
2b Compare the benefits and limitations of each type of information source.
Task – Athens Benefits Limitations
Currency Within ATHENS I searched Infotrac and Newsbank, I was limited to what databases are available on
(how up to date) limiting the search at the last five years, and omitting ATHENS – in a health library, for example, I’d have a
the term’blind’. However, many more articles came wider range. I did however find some interesting
up when I used the term ‘blind’. articles.
Accuracy A great many hits came up. I focused on those which The search tends to throw up articles which seem
(how accurate) were not commercially driven, and authored by unrelated, but narrowing the search terms filters out
reputable organisations. some useful articles.
Authority A variety of authors were fund. I again I checked their It was not always possible to check their credentials.
(who is the credentials as given by the article. All the
author) newspapers I consulted had good/reasonable
reputations.
Sufficiency The information was more than sufficient – in fact There could be some geographic limitations – many of
(how much there was too much. I filtered out many articles. the articles were published in the USA and could
information) possibly be of less relevance. Infotrac gave me more
access to local and national newspapers in the UK.
Relevance The search terms threw up many more general As above.
(how articles and I needed to filter these out.
appropriate)
Bias I focused on articles written by authoritative I did realise that some of the commercial articles could
(How impartial) organisations. I was attempting to avoid contain useful information.
commercially driven articles.
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11. Outcome 3. Understand how to gather required information and assess its relevance.
You must complete ALL sections to obtain a pass in Outcome 3.
For outcome 3 you will need to do the following:
a. 1Search the chosen sources (using a range of strategies) to find relevant information on the topic in a range of
formats including electronic and non-ICT sources.
b. Assess how well information returned meets the criteria set in 1b
c. 3Describe how the information search/gathering could be improved or refined giving suggested amendments and
.reasons for change
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3a Search the chosen sources (using a range of strategies) to find relevant information on the topic in a range of formats
including electronic and non-ICT sources.
Information sources (resource not How and why was this source selected?
search tool) in at least 2 different
formats (one of which must be
online)
Identify suitable information source (1) I consulted a colleague who taught the Foundation Degree in Assistive Technology at
COLLEAGUE the College. This colleague also informed me of some local services, eg the personal
reading service provided by Conwy Voluntary Services Council.
Identify suitable information source ( 2) The searchable catalogue, widened to Linc y Gogledd. I found two books at the Rhos
BOOKS VIA SEARCHABLE sites, and several at other sites. I used the search terms visual impairment, reading,
CATALOGUE assistive technology. I founhd some books in stock with useful general background
information – eg types of impairment – but dated in other respects. I would also consult
ww.library.wales.org.uk and the British Library. I also searched the RNIB online library.
Identify suitable information source (3) The RNIB website was an excellent source. It had authoritative links and a bibliography
SPECIALIST WEBSITES and a search engine which enable me to search the site. It contained details of training
events eg Switch onto Technology Month, and a searchable library catalogue. I also
downloaded 6 very useful PDF guides on reading services for people with a visual
impairment. I found it easily using Google and RNIB, but it also linked me to sites I
hadn’t known of, eg Action for Blind People.
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12. Identify suitable information source ( 4) I used ATHENS and searched the resources of Infotrac and Newsbank. I had to vary my
NEWSPAPER AND JOURNAL search terms considerably and narrow them down – I got a huge range of hits, not all of
ARTICLES which were relevant.
You can attach screenshots, search results, reading lists etc to your logbook
3b Assess how well information returned meets the evaluation criteria set in 1b
Criteria How well did the information gained meet this criteria (state NA if that criteria is
not applicable
Deadline NA
Information overload I had a great deal of information and it was necessary to filter out that which was too
general, of little geographic use, outdated etc.
Purpose I found information on local services – the library service, the volunteer service etc. I
found useful general information on ICT applications and extremelt useful factsheets
and training advice. I found national information, eg the RNIB library service (Braille,
giant Print, Audio Books) which is available to anyone. The information I found gave
the tutor everything she needed.
Support This was done by myself, but I showed the tutor how to use the catalogue and some
of the authoritative website. I spent a couple of hours researching this enquiry.
NA
Who?
The RNIB website gave me the best general information. Websites for Conwy Council
What? and Conwy Voluntary Services council provided the best local information.
I did find information on local training events coming up. I was careful to look for up to
When? date information.
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13. I did find information on local training events.
Where?
NA
Why?
How? NA – although the training events and factsheets had useful information on how to use
reader devices, and where to go for further support.
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14. 3c Describe how the information search/gathering could be improved or refined giving suggested amendments and
reasons for change
Your approach Suggested amendments (and why)
What issues did you identify when
searching for the information There can be an information overload when searching for this topic. Searching
Google brings up all sorts of commercial services. I would have had a more
I knew that I needed to look for current organised search strategy, eg filtering by date. I also had to vary my search terms
information. There is a great deal of considerably.
outdated information on this topic,
especially in books. On the other hand, I I was surprised that the term ‘blind’ brought up more hits than ‘visual impairment’. I
did not rule out more traditional methods of also had to vary the term ‘reader services’, ‘reading services’, ‘reading’ etc., and also
reader services, eg personal readers, all the variants with ‘book’.
books on CD/cassette, books in Braille, as
these are quite often preferred by older I could also have used the Advanced Search option, and filtered by file type.
readers. I was looking for general
information, eg ICT applications, but also Although I searched the library catalogue and Linc y Gogledd, I could have widened
local information, eg public library the search to library.wales.org. I could also have used the Advanced Search option in
services, volunteer services. Linc y Gogledd.
The main issue was that the tutor had
limited knowledge of what she wanted,
and my father in law said he did not want
any ‘modern’ applications; he was
interested only in traditional applications
such as Large Print, Audio books etc.
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15. Outcome 4. Be able to communicate information gained according to purpose and audience
You must complete ALL sections to obtain a pass in Outcome 4.
a. Select, sort and combine information, ideas and data from different sources in a summarised format, using references to show where
information was found and direct quotes when needed.
b. Communicate findings in the most appropriate format for the audience and purpose (collate and label/reference the information provided
for the user).
4a Select, sort and combine information, ideas and data from different sources in a summarised format, using references
to show where information was found and direct quotes when needed.
Information Citation/Reference
http://www.rnib.org.uk/livingwithsightloss/reading/news/Pages/greatnewbooks.aspx
RNIB dedicated Reader Services (Accessed December 2012)
pages, including downloadable fact Other useful websites were Share the Vision and Vision 2020
sheets and training opportunities
Product Development Technologies Joins Forces with Perkins Products on Braille Writer.
Information on updates in Braille Entertainment Close-up, 27 July 2012. Retrieved December 21st 2012 from NewsBank
Services – article accessed using on-line database (Access Wales & UK Newspapers).
electronic source Newsbank. Of
general information.
http://www.volunteering-wales.net/opportunitysearchresults.html?s=1&page=6
A local talking newspaper is available Accessed via Conwy Voluntary Services Council November 2012
for the visually impaired.
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16. Accessed via Conwy Council’s websitehttp://www.volunteering-
Conwy Library Service Home Service. wales.net/opportunitysearchresults.html?s=1&page=6. This information is also
There is also a Mobile Service, Large available in CD/leaflet form.
Print books, audiobooks, captioned
DVDs, MP3 downloads, Braille books,
and e books.
Attach a copy of your results for presentation to the user
4b Communicate findings in the most appropriate format for the audience and purpose (collate and label/reference the
information provided for the user).
In what format did you present the information and why?
As I had a large amount of information, I presented it in a short report format. I included print offs (eg the PDF guides on the RNIB
website), web addresses, catalogue print offs and a bibliography. I bound the information into a report file. I also created a E folder
and bookmarked the most useful and informative websites. I saved documents (eg the factsheets) into an electronic folder. I also
fed back the results of my search verbally and answered some questions. It was suggested that the information on websites was
put into a shared drive, eg delicious.com.
On the whole I found that book resources were outdated due to the constant updating of technology, but were useful for general
background information.
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