The role of the university library in supporting information literacy in UK secondary schools

Purpose – The purpose of this research is to report on the findings of the CrossEd‐2 study which investigated the role of the university library in delivering information literacy skills relating to the use of e‐resources to secondary schools in the UK. Design/methodology/approach – A quantitative survey of all university libraries in the UK was undertaken using an e‐mail questionnaire to identify the incidence of current collaboration. A return rate of 36 per cent was achieved, and the data provided information on the types of collaboration taking place in a total of 20 universities. These were categorized and used to select a survey population of six university libraries for the qualitative study. Data collection for the case studies was by means of face‐to‐face and telephone interviews with university librarians, using semi‐structured interview schedules. Findings – Six forms of collaboration were identified with a range of levels of information literacy skills evident. Collaboration is characteristically ad hoc, with little involvement of school librarians. The research revealed six distinct positive aspects of cross‐sectoral collaboration for school pupils. A fundamental lack of understanding of the respective roles of secondary school and university librarians was demonstrated. Practical implications – A strategy and a national seminar to enhance collaboration in the UK are discussed. Originality and value – The first qualitative study that has explored the issues surrounding information literacy skills relating to the use of e‐resources across the secondary and tertiary education sectors in the UK.