Information literacy programmes (theoretical framework in the field of law and medicine)

Abstract

Academic libraries in Croatia for the past fifteenth years have started implementing information literacy programmes for their users. Most frequent forms of information literacy programme delivery are library workshops with voluntary participation, conducted by librarians, either independently or through informal cooperation with academic staff on various courses. However, it can be assumed, because of non-systematic and sporadic information literacy programmes, that students of all years possess different levels of both generic and contextual information literacy skills in the field of law. Because of the small number of studies and the insufficient number of evidence, it can be assumed that there is not enough awareness regarding the promotion and relevance of the information literacy programmes. Thus, it can be concluded that the programmes are insufficient, or if they exist, they do not rely on the real needs of students, teachers and other participants in the educational process. The aim of the paper is to point to some of the most important models and standards of information literacy in the field of law and medicine in the world by using qualitative method of analysing the content of relevant literature in the area of information literacy in the field of law and medicine. The purpose of the research is to broaden theoretical knowledge and to improve the teaching of information literacy in the field of law and medicine in the Republic of Croatia. On a practical level, the explored models and standards can serve as a theoretical framework for creating formal programmes of information literacy in law libraries’ practice, as well as for improving practice in libraries with similar experience in other countries.