Information, digital & AI literacies: A staged approach

The Library partners with academic staff to equip students with essential information, digital, and AI literacies - integrated directly into subjects where it adds the most value.

Overview

We work with you to help students develop their information, digital and AI literacy skills. Students learn how to identify the information they need, find and evaluate reliable sources, and use information responsibly, including AI-generated content.

We offer flexible, digital-first resources that can be easily integrated into your subject. These include clear guidance, examples, and activities. Our staged, scaffolded approach supports learning across subjects and helps students apply these skills at university and beyond. This staged approach replaces and builds on our previous Embedded Librarian Program.

A staged approach: Why and how

Information, digital and AI literacies aren’t one-off skills; they develop over time through repeated use in different contexts. The Library’s staged approach helps this process by enabling students to build skills in a clear and sustainable way.

To support this staged approach, we design learning resources that:

  • Scaffold learning from foundational to advanced levels.
  • Connect with prior knowledge to allow students to see continuity.
  • Align with key moments in a course, particularly where literacies support. assessment and professional practice.

What students develop

Critical thinking & information skills:

  • Identify information needs and apply critical thinking to locate credible sources.
  • Evaluate information within a complex, fast-changing digital landscape.
  • Scan evidence, verify claims, and recognise bias and misinformation.

Digital & AI competencies:

  • Ethical, responsible use of digital and AI tools for learning and collaboration, aligned with academic integrity guidelines.
  • Understanding of how algorithms shape information and experiences, and adaptability to evolving digital environments.
  • Transferable skills for application across subjects and into professional settings.Scaffolded learning and engagement

Finding the right fit

We take a strategic, evidence-informed approach by prioritising integration and focusing where impact will be greatest.

Key indicators for tailored integration:

  • Clear information, digital and/or AI literacy learning outcomes.
  • Strong alignment between assessments and required literacy skills.
  • Core subject status or significance within the course structure.
  • Potential to influence retention and student success.
  • Opportunities to build capabilities not addressed elsewhere.

If tailored integration isn't needed, you can adopt ready-to-use learning resources immediately.

What's available

For subjects that align well with our staged approach, we may provide:

  • Integrated resources: Subject- or course-specific resources integrated into your subject site
  • Micro-lessons: Modular, activity-based content for just-in-time learning and reuse
  • Targeted sessions: Micro-classes and short recordings aligned to assessments or cohort needs

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