Novice: Skills that build upon the Beginner level and that demonstrate an increased confidence and understanding.
By the Novice level you should be building on and deepening the skills learnt at the Beginner level.
In particular you should know how to:
- Analyse and understand the question to be answered in order to fully understand the scope of your information need.
- Use a wider range of techniques to outline your current knowledge and understanding of the topic, and recognise that further background research may be required to identify any gaps to inform your search for information.
- Identify appropriate keywords to begin your search. In addition you should be able to build a list of relevant synonyms and related terms to construct an effective search strategy.
- Understand the need to consider differences in spelling and terminology used across a range of information sources ( for example, English vs. American spelling)
- Familiarise yourself with the key sources of information in your subject area and use the key databases provided by the Library to find academic and professional resources.
- Know when to carry out background research to help inform your searches.
- Understand when to use academic and professional sources.
- Understand how to access online (digital) resources and understand the difference between print and online materials.
- Use a range of help guides and tools provided by the Library to support your Information Literacy development.
- Complete diagnostic activities to identify areas for future development. These are available on the Develop@Derby Guides and within Skills for Study.
