Making a difference? Measuring the impact of an information literacy programme for pre-registration nursing students in the UK.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate whether an information literacy programme for pre-registration nursing students at a UK higher education institution is effective in developing their skills and confidence: examines students' skill levels, factors affecting their confidence, and relationships between skills, confidence and demographic characteristics.


METHODS
Quantitative and qualitative techniques were used: pre- and post-tests to measure changes in students' skills and self-assessed confidence levels after two key sessions in their first semester (n = 29); semi-structured interviews to explore factors affecting confidence (n = 5).


RESULTS
Findings demonstrated positive impacts on skills and confidence. Key areas of skill development included: identifying journal articles, selecting search terms and evaluating website quality. Factors affecting confidence included: successful 'mastery' experiences in searching for information and the programme itself, especially small-group sessions, handouts and staff support. Evidence on links between skills, confidence and demographic factors was inconclusive.


CONCLUSIONS
The study demonstrated the programme's effectiveness and identified areas for development, including the need to help students understand the relative merits of search engines and other sources. Evidence has contributed to a change in departmental policy, making attendance at sessions mandatory. Further studies have been recommended.
Craig
Ann
A
Information and Learning Services, University of Worcester, Henwick Grove, Worcester, UK. a.craig@worc.ac.uk
Corrall
Sheila
S
D000328:Adult; D003197:Computer Literacy; D004506:Education, Nursing / Q000379:methods*; D004521:Educational Measurement / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017145:Models, Educational; D016294:Models, Nursing; D015402:Nursing Education Research; D048108:Nursing Informatics / Q000193:education*; D011361:Professional Competence / Q000592:standards; D015397:Program Evaluation; D020377:Self Efficacy; D013338:Students, Nursing / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D006113:United Kingdom