After your Library induction you should be able to:

• Access the library catalogue – search by author, title and keyword for books and journals;
• Be aware of the Dewey decimal Classification system;
• Understand the difference between electronic and print resources;
• Know which material is located where in the library;
• Know how to borrow, renew, return and reserve library materials;
• Understand Library regulations regarding the use of facilities and services;
• Know where to go, and whom to ask for help, in the Library.

By the end of your first year you should be able to:

• Use the library catalogue to find items on a reading list;
• Understand the difference between a book and a journal;
• Understand electronic access to information, both on and off-campus;
• Locate items in the library;
• Use general reference sources to increase familiarity with a topic;
• Know how to locate relevant journals, access relevant databases, and retrieve journal articles;
• Use a search engine to conduct a basic internet search;
• Construct a basic search strategy using commands appropriate to the information source being used (including Boolean logic);
• Understand how to apply for an interlibrary loan;
• Understand the difference between a primary and secondary source;
• Evaluate the quality of information (both printed and electronic) using criteria such as authorship, bias, currency, validity etc.;
• Define the methods and approaches chosen to locate information, and be able to explain the process; 
• Read text, select material and summarise in own words;
• Understand the need to keep records of searches and resources found;
• Understand what constitutes Plagiarism and how to correctly cite the work of othersCite references correctly in the text of written work;
• Create a bibliography by referencing books, journals and online material using the appropriate method;
• Know how to use the 'Turnitin' software.

By the end of your second year you should be able to do all the above, plus:

• Define the information needed for a particular; taskUnderstand that background research might be needed to inform a search;
• Construct an 'advanced' search strategy using commands appropriate to the information source being used (i.e. including Boolean logic);
• Limit electronic searches where necessary using criteria such as date, language etc.;
• Select an appropriate type of information from the various ones available;
• Distinguish between indexes, online databases, search engines and subject gateways;
• Identify keywords, synonyms and related terms for the information needed, and be aware of differences in spelling and terminology (i.e. English v. American);
• Refine or modify the information need to achieve manageable results;
• Be aware of external sources of information where appropriate e.g., other library catalogues, inter library loans, SCONUL Access, NoWAL agreements etc.;
• Evaluate the quality of information retrieved (printed or online) using criteria such as authorship, bias, currency, validity etc.;
• Know how to set up and manage (electronic) search histories;
• Download and print retrieved records;
• Use appropriate media formats (i.e. other than print) to produce presentations;
• Know how to present information to an audience using presentation software (e.g. PowerPoint).

By the time you graduate you should be able to do all the above, plus:

• Develop a research plan appropriate to the topic selected;
• Identify the most appropriate resources to meet the information need;
• Identify the different levels of available information (primary, secondary tertiary);
• Create a search strategy, having identified key concepts and terms for the information need;
• Understand the 'advanced' search options in electronic databases, and the use of Boolean logic;
• Reflect on the research process, assess whether the information need has been met and redefine/revisit if necessary to locate more relevant material;
• Use current awareness services to set up search alerts;
• Critically evaluate reliability, validity, authority, bias etc. of information retrieved, comparing information from a range of sources;
• Be able to use external sources of information where appropriate e.g. inter library loans, SCONUL Access, NoWAL agreements etc.;
• Understand the peer review process and identify the purpose and potential audience of resources;
• Use bibliographical management software (e.g. RefWorks) to import references from databases, and to prepare a bibliography, in conjunction with a word processing package;
• Create a bibliography by referencing books, journals and online material using the appropriate method;
• Access and use information legally and ethically, understanding how to communicate findings clearly and in an appropriate style.

Post graduates should be able to do all the above, plus:

• Develop a research plan appropriate to the topic- choosing a full range of print and electronic search tools;
• Identify and define the information needs;
• Save and re-run searches within databases to gather information over time;
•  Critically evaluate reliability, validity, authority, bias etc. of the information retrieved;
• Identify web-based current awareness services and mailing lists to help keep up-to-date in their field;
• Construct a bibliography and reference a range of information sources in the correct manner;
• Use mailing lists, discussion boards etc. to obtain and exchange information;
• Create new knowledge through the development of existing informationUnderstand and correctly apply the issues of plagiarism, copyright, censorship and freedom of speech.