Information Literacy Award

Winners for 2024 announced!

We are pleased to announce we have two winners this year:

• The Data Education in Schools team, Edinburgh University, for the Data Education in Schools programme Learning with Data - Data Education in Schools
• The Digital Learning Practice Team -Teaching, Learning & Employability exchange, University of the Arts London, for the 12 Days of AI online learning programme

Our judges commented:

"We chose Data Education in Schools, Edinburgh University due to its significant contribution to the field. By starting data education early, and implementing it effectively in schools, the Data Education in Schools’ team has contributed towards excellent progress for the field, focusing on the intersections between data literacy and information literacy. The submission included extensive evidence of external engagement, excellent practice and impact, addressing information literacy support for young people to be aware of their data rights and responsibilities and to use and interpret data critically and ethically. And if this wasn’t enough, the team has also been responsible for creating over 500 new, British Sign Language gestures".

"The University of the Arts London team presented innovative work with a very topical and timely direction on AI. AI is a significant focus within information literacy at the moment, and there is a growing need to understand both the risks and the opportunities created in a fast-changing AI enabled information environment. As part of this project, the teaching learning and employability exchange team worked to significantly support understanding within the sector by means of organising live events, creating curated webinars and pen resources on using AI tools. This work enhanced understanding of how to use and evaluate various AI tools. It has also been impactful within the HE sector, allowing a stronger understanding of AI and Information Literacy to develop".

Other shortlisted nominees were:

• The Academic Engagement Team at Aberystwyth University for the AberSkills: new online bilingual hub and Blackboard module to help support students thrive in their academic life
• The University of Southampton Library Curriculum Engagement team and Alison Ormesher, Learning Designer, for the Learning Paths and DigiSkills Metro Map
• The Academic Librarian Team at the University of Derby for Develop with Derby an open, free-to-access online skills hub
• Sarah Wolfenden, Senior Lecturer- Academic development (Education) University of Brunel, for raising the profile of information literacy amongst new academic staff at one institution in the UK Higher Education sector
• Lucas Maxwell, High School Librarian at Glenthorne High School, for innovative  approaches to teaching information literacy Glenthorne High School Library
• The Business Librarians at School of Management Library, Cranfield University, for recent developments to eRAP plagiarism e-learning package
• Dr. Janice Fernandes, Academic Support Manager, University of West London, and Subject Librarian at London College of Music, for innovative approaches to teaching information literacy

The awards have been judged by:

• Ella Wharton, University of Nottingham
• Elizabeth Newell, JISC
• Dr. Konstantina Martzoukou, Robert Gordon University.

The CILIP Information Literacy Group and the Information School at the University of Sheffield are proud to offer an award for achievement in the field of information literacy (IL). IL “is the ability to think critically and make balanced judgements about any information we find and use. It empowers us as citizens to reach and express informed views and to engage fully in society”.

 IL applies within a number of contexts, including:

• Everyday – when people find information online
• Citizenship – helping people to understand the world around us
• Education – developing critical thinking skills at all stages of education, from school to higher education
• The workplace - contributing to employability
• Health – finding reliable sources of health information.

(CILIP Definition of Information Literacy 2018).

The award is open to all practitioners, researchers and academics working in the IL field within the United Kingdom. Nominations may be from any sector. We welcome nominations for individuals as well as for groups/teams. The winning individual or team will receive £500 for personal use and £500 for their nominated charity.

Criteria

Nominations must demonstrate impact, innovation, initiative and originality in one or more of the following areas:

• Raising the profile of IL within an organisation / community or sector
• Initiating or contributing to national, regional or local projects / initiatives which enhance IL skills for an identified client group(s)
• Developing a digital resource (e.g. online course, service, product or app) which develops and enhances IL skills
• Undertaking original research in the field of IL and making a significant contribution to the literature.

There should be evidence that the nominated individual or team is committed to sharing knowledge and expertise and/or disseminating their learning and/or research within their organisation and beyond.

Nominations will be judged upon evidence of impact within the past 3 years only.

Nominations

Nominations are now closed.

Individuals and teams may self-nominate or be nominated by colleagues. Nominations should take the form of:

Either

A written statement of evidence of the nominee contribution(s) in one or more of the areas above. This should not exceed 1500 words and may include visual elements e.g. images, graphics etc. where appropriate - please provide URLs to these where necessary.

Or

A short video (10 minutes maximum) addressing the nominee contribution(s) in one or more of the areas above. If this option is selected, the video should be uploaded to YouTube as unlisted content and the URL provided on the application form.

How to apply
To apply for the award you will need to register as a member, or if you have already registered, just login to your account using the link at the top of the page. Once logged in to your account, scroll down to the awards section and select 'apply now' to complete your application.