Helena Zobec

Investigating Library Literacy Levels of Flexible Learners at the Cit: a Pilot Study Helena Zobec

This study attempted to measure library literacy levels of open or flexible learners at the Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT) during the 1990s. It investigated to what extent the information skills component of TAFE open learning modules influenced adult learners? library literacy levels at that time using a quasi-experimental research methodology. The study attempted to show that though courses claimed to address key competencies in a vocational education and training context, one element of the key competency of collecting analysing and organising information was not being me, that one element being the ability to locate (or collect) information. Though a highly suitable research methodology, the quasi-experimental research design did have its limitations in this study. This was the first known formally documented study of library literacy levels in an Australian vocational education and training environment of its kind. Many publications have emerged since that time. The research outcomes were used to further investigate the critical elements of key competencies leading to employability skills within the vocational education sector in the Australian context.