IMaGeS Information Research Brochure

IMaGeS

I N FOR M AT I ON R ES EA R C H I N STI TU TE FO R M A N AG EM E N T, GOV ERN A N CE AN D SO CI ETY ( I M aGe S )

Designed and printed by The Gatehouse, Design & Print Consultancy at Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen.

Robert Gordon University, a Scottish charity registered under charity number SCO13781

information management

information literacy

public law, human rights & discrimination

librarianship

graduate school communication

knowledge management

IMaGeS

energy

cultural identity transport policy

research new media

small firms

skills & labour market studies

marketing

teaching

environment

publishing

knowledge transfer funded projects entrepreneurship

innovation

conferences

organisation

consumer choice

accountancy economics & finance

public policy

I MaGeS I NFO GR A M B U S I N E S S & E N TERPRISE G OVE RN AN C E & SOCIET Y I N FO RM ATI O N & COMMUNICAT ION

Follow ou r t heme p at hs t o di s co v er IM aGe S ar e as of ex p ertis e an d r es ear ch.

legal evidence & procedure

Information research at Robert Gordon University forms part of the Information and Communication theme, one of three multidisciplinary themes within IMaGeS. The theme is led by Dr Simon Burnett.

GOVERNANCE & SOCIETY INFORMATION & COMMUNICATION BUSINESS & ENTERPRISE IMaGeS is dedicated to enabling excellence in multidisciplinary research and knowledge exchange addressing the challenges facing enterprise, business development, management and governance within society.

Our members publish in scholarly and professional journals, present at conferences and closely engage in knowledge exchange with industry. At the heart of our mission is the drive to develop knowledge and share this with our students, academic colleagues, industries and professions.

IMaGeS’ activities are underpinned by the core values of scientific integrity, transparency, fairness, collaboration, openness to ideas, and real social and economic impact. Our focus is on high quality, innovative and sustainable research.

Information research and knowledge exchange informs a suite of Masters programmes delivered by the Department of Information Management. Many of the academics within this department are members of IMaGeS and a range of their work over the last 10 years is presented here.

Professor Dorothy Williams Director, IMaGeS d.williams@rgu.ac.uk

CONT ENTS Inf ormat i on M an agem en t

2

Know ledge M an agem en t

7

Inf ormat i on Li t era cy

10

Librari an shi p

12

Lead i n g- edge R esearch

13

Inf ormat i on : I n t era ct i on s a nd I mp a c t ( i 3 )

14

Eve nts, En ga gem en t s a n d A c ti v i tie s

15

D oc toral S t u di es i n I n form a ti o n

16

Mas ters Program m es

17

Infus i on S

18

IN FO RM AT I ON M ANAG E M E N T

IN FO RM ATIO N MA NAG E ME NT E N E R G Y FO R U M : A KNO WLEDG E T RA N SFE R PA RT N E R S H I P ( K T P ) B E T W E E N A MO R PRAGMA A N D ROB E RT G O R D O N U N I V E R S I T Y Dr Laura Muir • l.muir@rgu.ac.uk Funded by KTP sponsors Scottish Funding Council and Technology Strategy Board and by Amor Pragma The aim of the project was to establish an Information Management Energy Forum for Amor Pragma to enable specialists to shape information management strategy and transform current operations. It brought together industry analysts, academics and technology providers to provide access to thought leaders, information resources, industry best practice and networking events. Forum activities included meetings, master classes, site visits, analyst support, research projects, and a web portal for members. The existing core membership included seven Oil and Gas Companies based in Aberdeen with others (including a super-major) participating in Master Classes and Research projects.

W O RKFO RC E PLA N N ING DE C IS I O N S U P P O RT S YS T E M : A KNO WLEDG E T RA N SFE R PA RT N E R S H I P ( K T P ) B E T W E E N OP ITO LTD AND ROB E RT G ORD O N U N I V E R S I T Y Dr Laura Muir • l.muir@rgu.ac.uk Funded by KTP sponsor Technology Strategy Board and by OPITO Ltd The project aims to analyse skills requirements in the Oil and Gas Sector and to develop a strategic workforce planning tool. This will enable proactive action to be taken to minimise potential project abandonment/deferment due to skills shortages and competitive labour cost spirals in the future.

The challenge that the partnership addresses is achieving effective long-term planning and skills production against short-term reactive cost driven solutions stimulated by competition for labour and so industry buy-in is essential.

2

It is anticipated that the impact of this project will be: • The opportunity to create new transformation programmes and/or develop the existing workforce with appropriate and timely interventions.

• Oil and Gas industry companies will be able to develop proactive long-term collective or individual interventions instead of the current short-term reactive approaches they currently adopt.

• Most importantly, this project will prevent major Oil and Gas projects going ‘on hold’ in the future by being able to much more accurately predict what skills will be required by the industry.

INFO RMATIO N MA N AGEMEN T

MAKING A D IFFE RE N C E – T H E P O W E R O F I N FO R M AT I O N : A KNO WLED G E T RA N SFE R PART N E R S H I P ( K T P ) B E T W E E N ABERDE E N FOYE R A N D ROB E RT G O R D O N U N I V E R S I T Y Dr Heather Fulford • h.fulford@rgu.ac.uk Funded by KTP sponsors Technology Strategy Board, Scottish Funding Council and Economic and Social Research Council and by Aberdeen Foyer Aberdeen Foyer is a successful Scottish social enterprise working to prevent and alleviate youth homelessness and unemployment in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire. Foyer provides supported accommodation and access to learning, training, employment opportunities and community health services for young people and their communities.

The aim of the KTP funded partnership project was to design, develop and implement an integrated data repository and management information system to capture Foyer’s client data to support key management reporting and strategic planning tasks. A key to the Partnership’s success was the bringing together of knowledge and skills in information management, systems analysis, IT, and social enterprise.

The innovative information system created during this Partnership has enhanced Aberdeen Foyer's ability to evidence the impact and outcomes of the services and support delivered to their clients. It enables Foyer to collect client histories, record their 'transformational journeys', determine the impacts of health, learning and housing interventions, and capture client success stories. Customisable reports can be generated to support Aberdeen Foyer's performance monitoring.

THE RO LE INFORMAT ION MA N AG E M E N T P L AYS W I T H I N HE ALTH AND SA FE T Y E NVIRO N M E N TS FO R T H E O I L AND GAS I ND UST RY Prof Rita Marcella • r.c.marcella@rgu.ac.uk Funded by Aveva This research throws light both on the information management practices in the industry sector as they relate specifically to health and safety management but also illustrates the extent to which effective access to reliable and timely information is vital in dealing with critical incidents.

Initial analysis of the survey findings show that 35% of

respondents were aware of instances where either they or their colleagues had failed to report information on incidents which had occurred. There was widespread agreement that there was both too much data and too little real information on the extent to which safety performance was improving and in sharing information across the industry.

3

IN FO RM AT I ON M ANAG E M E N T

EURO PEAN PA RLIA ME N TA RY D O C U M E N TAT I O N C ENTRE CU STOME R KNOWLE D G E S T U DY Prof Rita Marcella • r.c.marcella@rgu.ac.uk Funded by European Parliament In 2004, the European Parliament commissioned a customer knowledge study, aimed at obtaining a better understanding of the views and information needs of actual and potential clients of the Parliament’s internal library, the Parliamentary Documentation Centre (PDC). The study consisted of over 80 interviews with MEPs and their assistants, observers from countries about to join the European Union, parliamentary officials, and PDC staff. It revealed a lack of awareness of the PDC amongst interviewees, as well as an often uncritical and pragmatic approach to obtaining and using information, where quality was sacrificed in favour of ease of access.

T HE I MPACT OF N E W T E C HN O LO G Y O N T H E CO MM UNICAT ION OF PA RLIA M E N TA RY I N FO R M AT I O N Prof Rita Marcella • r.c.marcella@rgu.ac.uk Funded by Economic and Social Research Council This 2001 study consisted of two key stages. Firstly, a series of in-depth interviews with representatives of the public information services of the UK and Scottish Parliaments, and the Welsh and Northern Ireland Assemblies. Secondly, the testing of a new data collection tool: an interactive, electronically-assisted interview taken out across the UK as part of a ‘roadshow’ to organisations such as public libraries, community centres, sheltered accommodation and universities, where members of the public were given the opportunity to explore, and provide critical feedback on, parliamentary websites. The results suggested that parliamentary websites were failing to engage the public in the political process and that parliaments should rethink their strategies for attracting users to these sites.

4

INFO RMATIO N MA N AGEMEN T

E LECTI O N C A MPA IG N ING ON T H E I N T E R N E T Prof Rita Marcella • r.c.marcella@rgu.ac.uk Over the last ten years, a series of studies have investigated the use of the Internet for information provision and communication by political parties and candidates in Scotland during parliamentary election campaigns. Studies took place during the 2003, 2007 and 2011 Scottish Parliament Elections, and the 2010 UK General Election. These found that most parties, and a significant proportion of candidates, have had some form of online presence during these campaigns, but that these have generally been used as one-way ‘broadcast’ media. There has been a general reluctance to enter into any kind of visible debate with the electorate, or to respond fully to contentious and ‘difficult’ policy questions online. During the more recent campaigns, parties and candidates have been keen to be seen embracing new social media tools, such as Facebook and Twitter, but again these have been used primarily for the one-way provision of information, rather than for two-way discussion and interaction with potential voters.

INFO RM AT ION P ROVISION AN D CO M M U N I CAT I O N DURING PU B LIC CON SULTAT I O N S Graeme Baxter • g.baxter@rgu.ac.uk Funded by Economic and Social Research Council Between 2006 and 2008 the project investigated the mobilisation of group interests in the Scottish policymaking process.

This gave rise to two related studies examining the provision and communication of information during public consultation exercises in Scotland, one from the policymaker’s perspective, the other from the perspective of interest groups participating in consultations. These studies revealed that government processes for identifying and selecting potential consultees are frequently idiosyncratic and flawed; and that despite the existence of government good practice guidelines, consultation information is often missing, incomplete, or presented in inconsistent and confusing ways. Post-consultation feedback, which provides details on how consultees’ responses have influenced final policy decisions, was found to be particularly lacking.

5

IN FO RM AT I ON M ANAG E M E N T

STA( R) : S COT T ISH T E XT ILE AR C H I V E S CO P I N G S T U DY Prof Dorothy Williams • d.williams@rgu.ac.uk Funded by Scottish Academy of Fashion (SAF) This scoping study examines the needs and potential benefits for industry of developing a digital archive that captures textile designs, their inspiration and provenance, their uses within industry (textiles, fashion, design), and critiques/reviews of these designs. The study is seen to address a wider need recognised across

the industry for a cohesive, usable and flexible access point to the heritage and innovation. The scoping study is being undertaken by Professor Dorothy Williams, IMaGeS, in partnership with Professor Susan Craw of Robert Gordon University’s IDEAS research institute and Suzanne Martin, Heriot Watt University.

A C CE SSING IMP LIC IT KN OWLED G E O F T E X T I LE A N D D E S I G N – A SMART, LIVIN G A RC HIVE FO R T H E H E R I TAG E I N D U S T RY Prof Dorothy Williams • d.williams@rgu.ac.uk Funded by Arts and Humanities Research Council This research aims to assess the feasibility and potential impact of a smart, living archive to support knowledge access and sharing within the diverse textile design community. The project will develop a small-scale demonstrator of an innovative digital approach to creating and accessing textile design knowledge, based on a selforganising digital archive. The demonstrator will be used as a vehicle for understanding and refining the processes required to enable providers and users to contribute to an evolving living digital collection; to probe the potential

6

of such a system to provide more flexible, interactive and collaborative engagement across the textile community; to identify the potential benefits of such a system to meet a range of research needs in practice (e.g. designers, heritage organisations, trend analysts) and academic disciplines (e.g. art and design, cultural history, etc); to explore the potential impact and value of the digital resource for designers and manufacturers. The project is undertaken by the IMaGeS and IDEAS research institutes at Robert Gordon University in partnership with Heriot Watt University.

KNOW LE D G E MAN AGEMEN T

KNO WLEDG E SHA RIN G C ULTU R E Dr Simon Burnett • s.burnett@rgu.ac.uk Funded by Shell This was a Centre for Knowledge Management (CKM) project which aimed to develop a knowledge sharing culture in one of Shell’s Aberdeen offices. Outputs for this project included personal and departmental knowledge maps and a knowledge auditing methodology. The results of the project were presented in a report to the organisation, a peer-reviewed journal article and a conference paper.

KNO WLED G E MA N AG E ME N T A U D I T AND S TRAT E G Y D E VE LOPMEN T Dr Simon Burnett • s.burnett@rgu.ac.uk Funded by Senergy A project conducted on behalf of Senergy comprising the first two stages of an integrated knowledge management (KM) programme consisting of five stages in total. The first stage of the programme identified and evaluated the current knowledge management position of the organisation by producing: a Knowledge Process Audit (KPA); a Knowledge Inventory and Map (KI&M); and a Knowledge Needs Analysis (KNA). The strategic design stage of the programme identified the future position of the organisation in relation to knowledge management (i.e. where Senergy wants to be) by producing a Business Case for KM and a Knowledge Management Strategy.

7

KNO WLE D GE M ANAGE M E N T

LEARNING NA RRAT IVE P ROJ E CT Dr Simon Burnett • s.burnett@rgu.ac.uk Funded by BP Narratives are increasingly being seen by both academics and practitioners as valuable tools for storing and sharing knowledge. Personal learning narratives may be used to describe the process (or processes) undertaken by an individual in the course of acquiring new knowledge. Similarly, organisational learning narratives describe in narrative form the evolution of a company as it develops in one or more ways.

Commissioned by BP, this project aims to produce a ‘learning narrative’ based on the development of part of the company as a learning organisation, and to develop a set of guidelines for the production of future learning narratives within the organisation.

K NO WLEDG E E XC HA N G E FOR E F F I CI E N T S U S TA I N A BLE ENERGY M A N AG E ME N T WIT H T H E M E AT A N D DA I RY INDUS TRI E S IN SCOT LA ND (E N E R M A N ) Prof Dorothy Williams • d.williams@rgu.ac.uk Funded by Scottish Funding Council (Horizon) ENERMAN is a stakeholder programme which is partially funded by the Scottish Funding Council under its Horizon funding Initiative and driven by the needs of the abattoir and dairy sectors.

This knowledge exchange project aims to develop effective approaches to managing energy innovations in the meat and dairy industries.

The consortium comprises representation from the dairy and meat processing sectors together with expertise from the energy sector, carbon management organisations, small companies, government agencies as well as a strong academic partnership involving Edinburgh Napier University, University of Strathclyde, Robert Gordon University, the University of the Highlands and Islands, SAC and the Energy Technology Partnership.

Information and knowledge management expertise is provided as part of the multidisciplinary Robert Gordon University contribution.

8

11

KNO W LEDG E MAN AGEMEN T

DEV ELO PI N G KNOWLE DG E MA N AG E M E N T S T R AT E G I E S Dr Simon Burnett • s.burnett@rgu.ac.uk Knowledge Management research within the information group focuses on helping organisations answer the following questions:

9

IN FO RM AT I ON L I T E R A C Y

T EACH E RS ’ CONC E P T ION S OF S T U D E N T I N FO R M AT I O N L I T E R A C Y Prof Dorothy Williams • d.williams@rgu.ac.uk Funded by Society for Educational Studies The project found that secondary teachers recognised the importance of information literacy for lifelong learning. Most had a number of different ways of thinking about information literacy – their collective concepts are outlined below: • • • • • •

Finding Information; Linguistic Understanding; Making Meaning; Skills; Critical Awareness; and Independent Learning.

T H E US E O F RE SE A RC H IN FOR M AT I O N BY T E A C H E R S : IN FO RM ATIO N LIT E RA C Y, A C C E S S A N D AT T I T U D E S Prof Dorothy Williams • d.williams@rgu.ac.uk Funded by Economic and Social Research Council The findings of this project raised questions about teachers as information literacy role models for their students: • teachers’ own confidence in finding and using information can be a problem; • they tend to use a relatively narrow range of information sources, and they rely heavily on informal people-based information sources; • their use of research information is affected by limited time and accessibility; • teachers want research information to be presented in a format that is easily digested.

U NTANGLI NG SPAG HE T T I? T HE CO M P LE X I T Y O F D E V E LO P I N G IN FO RM ATIO N LIT E RA C Y IN SE CO N DA RY S C H O O L S T U D E N TS Prof Dorothy Williams • d.williams@rgu.ac.uk Funded by Scottish Executive Education Department The project found that the major challenges for the teacher and librarian were: • their realisation of the complex nature of information literacy – described by the teacher as ‘tangled spaghetti’; and • the need to move away from teaching information literacy as a predefined sequence of skills, while being constrained by the curriculum.

10

INFO RMATION LITERACY

EFF ECTI V E U SE OF INFORMAT I O N W I T H I N SMALL AND ME DIUM- SIZ E D E N T E R P R I S E S Prof Dorothy Williams • d.williams@rgu.ac.uk Investigating the information challenges faced by SMEs and the importance of information skills to these businesses, particularly: • • • •

the ways in which SMEs think about information; how they find and evaluate sources of information; how effectively they use the information; and what impact these information literacy skills have on the SME.

Preliminary evidence emerging shows that: • SMEs are recognising the benefits of effective information use in relation to client satisfaction and a good reputation;

• SMEs report even a small amount of training has increased the speed and quality of their information searches and raised awareness of the role and value of information in the business: ‘Yes, information will definitely continue to be important to my business planning’; and ‘Speed of access and a broader range of information have led to better and faster decision making within the business[es]’.

A larger survey of SMEs is being planned to identify the challenges for developing more effective use of information in Scotland’s business community.

11

L IBRARIANSHIP Librarianship research within the information group at IMaGeS concentrates on the social, economic and cultural impact of libraries on society in both contemporary and historical contexts.

Research includes: • The Edinburgh History of Libraries in Scotland: A 250,000 word monograph which will provide the definitive history of Scottish libraries and librarianship.

• Digital Local History: Established research into local studies libraries, their services and users and the impact of digital and online technologies on local history, including family historians use of the web for their investigations.

• Historical Bibliography and Private Libraries: Research into the provenance and use of books and library collections, particularly private ones, throughout history.

For further information please contact: Prof Peter Reid Head of Department of Information Management p.reid@rgu.ac.uk

12

LE A D I N G - E D G E R E S E A R C H We aim to undertake highly relevant leading-edge research that advances knowledge and provides tangible benefits to the wider economy and society.

Members undertake research and knowledge exchange activities funded by a wide range of external bodies including: NHS, UNESCO, AHRC, ESRC, The European Union, Scottish Government, and industry.

In RAE 2008, Robert Gordon University was the top university in Scotland, and second equal in UK for overall research quality in Library and Information Management. All research within this area (Unit of Assessment 37) was of international quality, with the majority rated as Internationally Excellent or World-leading. This is based on the 2008 average scores for overall research quality in the subject area.

13

IN FO RMATI ON: INT E RA CT ION S A N D I M PA CT (i 3 ) i3 was inaugurated as an international research based conference at Robert Gordon University in 2007. Since then it has been an important biennial conference bringing together academic and practitioner researchers, with delegates typically coming from 14 or 15 countries. i3 is concerned with the quality and effectiveness of the interaction between people and information and how this interaction can bring about change in individuals, organisations, communities, and society. The conference looks beyond the issues of use and accessibility of technology to questions about the way interaction with the information and knowledge content of today's systems and services can make a difference to people's lives. The aim is to bring together academic and practitioner researchers with an interest in: • the quality and effectiveness of user/information interactions (e.g. information literacy); • patterns of information behaviour in different contexts; • impact of information or information services on people, organisations, communities, and society (e.g. social, learning, cultural and economic outcomes of engagement with information); and • more effective use of information in decision making.

The conference provides a forum for exchange of research findings and an opportunity to identify key questions and issues for future research. It should be relevant to those involved in researching, developing or delivering information and knowledge services in any sector as well as those concerned with the development of skills for a knowledge society.

Keynote speakers have included: • • • • • • • • • • • •

Dr Kendra Albright, University of South Carolina, Columbia, USA; Dr Bonnie Cheuk, Environmental Resources Management; Dr Chun Wei Choo, University of Toronto, Canada; Professor Hazel Hall, Institute for Informatics & Digital Innovation, Edinburgh Napier University; Professor Carol Kuhlthau, School of Communication, Information and Library Studies, Rutgers University, USA; Dr Louise Limberg, Swedish School of Library and Information Science, University of Borås, Sweden; Dr Eric T. Meyer, Oxford Internet Institute, University of Oxford; Dave Snowden, Cognitive Edge; Professor Amanda Spink, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia; Dr Ross J. Todd, School of Communication and Information, Rutgers University, USA; Dr Martin Westwell, Institute for the Future of the Mind, Oxford University; and Dr Caroline Wilkinson, College of Life Sciences, University of Dundee.

For information on past i3 conferences please visit: http://www.i3conference2011.org.uk To register your interest for future i3 conferences please email: i3information@rgu.ac.uk

14

EVENTS , ENG AG E ME NTS A ND A CT I V I T I E S In addition to the biennial i3 conference the information group regularly host a range of research events with visiting speakers. Examples include: • How Electronic Journals are Changing Reading Patterns Professor Carol Tenopir, University of Tennessee, USA, March 2007 (a Making Connections seminar) • Zones of Intervention in the Information Search Process: Vital Roles for Librarians Professor Carol Kuhlthau, School of Communication, Information and Library Studies, Rutgers University, USA, June 2007 (a Making Connections seminar) • Drawing from others: Ways of knowing about information literacy performance Dr Annemaree Lloyd, Charles Sturt University, Australia, September 2008 (a Making Connections seminar) • "Information Vaccine: Information and Health Behaviour Change": a summation of work to date on HIV/AIDS information in Africa and behaviour change Dr Kendra Albright, University of South Carolina, USA, June 2009

• Inaugural Information Science Doctoral Colloquium (iDocQ), June 2011 • Information Systems in Health & Safety Seminar AVEVA research panel discussion, September 2011 Academics engaged in information research also participate in a range of external partnerships and activities including: • Knowledge transfer partnerships (including Amor Group and OPITO); • Consultancy work with public and private sector clients (including The United Nations and Shell Expro); and • Membership on advisory boards, external auditing and assessment, and speaking engagements.

These activities also generate the content for new lecture and tutorial material, allowing students at all levels to engage with the most up-to-date work in information.

15

DO CTO RAL ST UDIE S IN IN FOR M AT I O N We offer two doctoral routes – the traditional Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and a professional doctorate, Doctor of Information Science (DInfSci), which combines a taught element with practice-focused research.

As well as undertaking a PGCert in Research Methods as part of their training, our doctoral students can access specialist master classes across Scotland as part of our membership of the Information Science pathway within the Scottish Graduate School of Social Science. This is an Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) Doctoral Training Centre established in 2011 to provide high quality training and development for doctoral research students.

Doctoral research in information covers a diverse range of subjects including issues in information management, information literacy, information behaviour, and knowledge management. Many of our doctoral community are based off-campus working in professional contexts around the world, e.g. Switzerland, Belgium, Canada, and Ireland, while undertaking part-time study.

Some examples of recent doctoral success and ongoing research include: • Knowing through narratives: The role of knowledge within the technological innovation process in the UK upstream oil and gas industry • Design of virtual worlds for accessing information: discovery of user preferences • The development of a model of information seeking behaviour of students in higher education when using internet search engines • Conceptions of effective information use and learning in a tele-health organisation: A phenomenographic study of information literacy and knowledge management at work • The effective evidence-based high school librarian: A journey to decision • ‘Early’ public libraries in eighteenth-century Dublin • Information management in support of agricultural policies in Kazakhstan: modelling and effective system • The exchange of information between 'state' (at local, devolved, national and European levels) and stakeholders • The relationship between access to information and the effects of peripherality • Information literacy in transition: An International School Community Perspective • Information behaviours and their impact within Information Services Division Scotland • Measuring of Knowledge Management's effectiveness in organisations • Learning from e-Family History: Online Research Behaviour and Strategies of Family Historians and implications for Local Studies Collections • Knowledge Transfer process in a global Cross-Cultural Context For further information please contact: Dr Simon Burnett Research Co-ordinator for the Department of Information Management s.burnett@rgu.ac.uk

16

M ASTE RS PROG RA MME S Robert Gordon University offers a number of Masters programmes within the Department of Information Management. These programmes are offered both oncampus and via the virtual campus.

Contact Prof Peter Reid Head of Department of Information Management p.reid@rgu.ac.uk

MSc Information and Library Studies For over forty-five years, this course has been one of the enduring successes of Robert Gordon University, bringing together a mixture of theory and practice that replicates activities found in the workplace. The course enables students to obtain a professional qualification accredited by the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP) and the MSc degree is professionally recognised throughout the world.

The course provides a wide range of employment opportunities, ranging from traditional librarianship to information management and research. Graduates are equipped with a broad range of managerial, professional and technological knowledge and skills. The course also attaches strong importance to producing creative and reflective practitioners and, to this end, you will learn about a variety of research methods and techniques.

MSc Information Management This MSc in Information Management has been developed in direct response to employers’ needs, through close consultation with practitioners and professional bodies.

It is designed to meet the requirements of those who are new to the subject as well as those who are seeking to enhance their existing levels of professional aptitude. It will develop your abilities with relevant academic knowledge and practical skills, preparing you for career opportunities within the field of Information Management.

In addition to the practical skills of working with information and managing an information service, students learn about databases, information governance and records management.

The MSc dissertation allows students to focus in depth on a topic of particular interest.

This course is available to study full-time, part-time or by distance learning.

Contact Dr Alan MacLennan a.maclennan@rgu.ac.uk +44 (0)1224 263910

This course is available to study full-time, part-time or by distance learning.

Contact Dr Konstantina Martzoukou k.martzoukou@rgu.ac.uk +44 (0)1224 263916

17

IN F USIO NS InfusionS is the training arm of the Department of Information Management at Aberdeen Business School, specialising in client-based, contextualised training tailored to suit the customer and their work environment. We provide short training courses and programmes for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for staff in public and private sector organisations, working with clients to establish their needs and tailor the training package to suit. We have delivered training to NHS staff, the business sector and SMEs, schools and public libraries.

InfusionS offers: • 'Off-the-shelf' or bespoke information management training programmes; • One-day or half-day courses or a complete programme of training for Continuing Professional Development (CPD); • Training with an emphasis on information not just technology; • Training adapted to suit your information needs and requirements; • Flexible modes of delivery, e.g. face-to-face workshops, online learning packages; • Tutor support from experienced information professionals and trainers; • Cutting-edge training content; • Training either in-house in your own environment, or in a variety of locations, arranged to suit the client.

Training packages will be developed and costed to meet your training needs and budget.

A wide range of topics can be provided as short training courses or in a package for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) including: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Cataloguing and classification Communication skills Customer service Document Control Information architecture Information governance Information literacy Information needs and information seeking behaviour Information retrieval and knowledge organisation Information searching Introduction to databases and conceptual modelling Introduction to leadership skills Introduction to managing information services Introduction to reference and enquiry services Learning organisations Local Studies Metadata and taxonomies Records management Service planning and delivery User engagement and interaction Thesaurus construction Website design and accessibility

Please contact us if you don't see what you are looking for on this list and we can discuss how we might produce a course or package which meets your needs.

Our team are on hand to support and guide your organisation with any training requirements you may have. To discuss your needs further, please contact us: Dr Laura Muir info@infusions.org.uk +44 (0)1224 263853

18

potential

project

effective

develop

information literacy

business

planning

classification

industry

study

IMaGeS

partnership

professional

management potential training

study

research leadership

learning

range

science

student

access

information management

social

literacy delivery

database

strategy

knowledge

academic

support

develop

exchange KTP partnership

communication

conference

cataloguing

technology

impact

student

learning

professor

interaction

services

industry

organisation

communication

skills

design

organisations

GeS I N S T I T U T E FO R M A N AG E M E N T, G OV E R NA N CE A N D S OCI E T Y www.rgu.ac.uk/research/images

Robert Gordon University, Garthdee Campus, Garthdee Road, Aberdeen, AB10 7QE, United Kingdom