Building information research skills in the Pacific region. The University of the South Pacific Initiative
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/GKMC-05-2018-0049 |
| Date | 01 April 2019 |
| Pages | 177-190 |
| Published date | 01 April 2019 |
| Author | Reysa Alenzuela,Elizabeth Fong,Jamie Bloss,Vasiti Chambers |
| Subject Matter | Library & information science,Information behaviour & retrieval,Information in society,Information literacy,Library & information services |
Building information research
skills in the Pacific region
The University of the South Pacific Initiative
Reysa Alenzuela
The University of the South Pacific–Emalus Campus, Port Vila, Vanuatu, and
Elizabeth Fong,Jamie Bloss and Vasiti Chambers
The University of the South Pacific, Suva, Fiji
Abstract
Purpose –Information literacy (IL) enables individuals to discover new ways of thinking and new
knowledge across a range of platforms, tools and media. It hopes to enable them to fit into the world of
research and scholarlycommunication. This paper aims to describe thedevelopment and current practices in
IL program at the University of the South Pacific (USP). Thiscase study puts emphasis on how IL at USP
reflects the educationalpriorities of the University and the region. Discussions on socio-culturalcontext hope
to provide insights on developing a framework based on globalstandards that address the cultural aspect
within students’learningenvironment in the 12 member countries.
Design/methodology/approach –This paper mainly used desktopresearch and document analysis to
present the IL model which is cohesivelyembedded within the University’s strategic plan and research skills
developmentframework.
Findings –The results are summarizedin three sections: paradigms and models as basis, currentcontent
and mode of delivery,methodologies and design for instruction and socio-culturalinsights.
Research limitations/implications –At present, this study will cover Fiji (the Main Campus) and
Vanuatu (School of Law). Other member countries with USP presence such as Cook Islands, Kiribati,
Marshall Islands, Nauru, Niue, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga and Tuvalu are considered
as part of the future design. Ultimately, a comprehensive model that is applicable for 21 other
campuses in the ten member countries will be designed. It also hopes to be replicable in the entire
Pacificcontext.
Practical implications –This study provides baseline data to develop future strategies for
implementationin the regional level.
Originality/value –This paper deals with definitionalissues of IL related to Pacific cultural contexts that
goes beyond a single country, one national identity as it deals with 11 countries, a different model for
networkedparadigm for IL.
Keywords Academic libraries, Information literacy, Library instruction, Research skills,
Global perspective, Pacific libraries
Paper type Case study
1. Introduction
The University of the South Pacific (USP) is the premierprovider of tertiary education in the
Pacific region and an internationalcenter of excellence for teaching, research consulting and
training on all aspects of Pacific culture, environment and human resource development
needs (The University of South Pacific, 2018a). USP is uniquely placed in a region of
extraordinary physical, social and economic diversity to serve the region’s need for high
quality tertiary education,research and policy needs. Established in 1968, USP is one of only
two universities of its type in the world. It is jointly owned and governed by 12 Member
Research skills
in the Pacific
region
177
Received28 May 2018
Revised7 December 2018
Accepted12 December 2018
GlobalKnowledge, Memory and
Communication
Vol.68 No. 3, 2019
pp. 177-190
© Emerald Publishing Limited
2514-9342
DOI 10.1108/GKMC-05-2018-0049
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