ESL Library Skills: an information literacy program for adults with low levels of English literacy

Abstract

This paper introduces the ESL Information Literacy Project (ESLILP) at the University of Ballarat. It describes the development, implementation and evaluation of a library orientation course designed in a TAFE context for adult, non-academic students who speak English as a Second Language (ESL). The paper seeks to raise awareness of an apparent lack of research and information literacy programs for adult ESL speakers in a non-academic environment. It also offers a framework for developing information literacy education programs for people with very low levels of literacy. The framework may be of particular use to librarians working in this area with limited backgrounds in ESL teaching or practical resources. The paper concludes by inviting other libraries to trial the ESL Library Skills course.