2025 |
Katsira, Georgia; Koulouris, Alexandros; Vraimaki, Eftichia; Efthymiou, Foteini Information Literacy for Cultivating Sustainable Mindset Conference 2nd Open-Air Cities International Conference “Local and Regional Sustainable Development and Urban Reconstruction”, 14-16 February 2025, Athens, Greece, 2025. Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: information literacy, information literacy models @conference{nokey, Sustainable thinking and information literacy (IL) are essential for developing resilient, informed citizens with a sustainability-oriented mindset. IL provides individuals with critical 21st-century skills, empowering them to sustain and enrich democratic communities. To better understand the role of IL in fostering sustainable thinking, this paper begins with a comprehensive literature review exploring key research clusters and emerging trends at the intersection of these concepts. The findings reveal a strong correlation between IL competencies - such as information evaluation, critical thinking, and ethical information use - and the cultivation of sustainable thinking. These skills are pivotal for fostering awareness of global challenges and promoting social inclusion. Building on this foundation, the study explores the perspectives of students from the University of West Attica (UNIWA) and the University of Bologna (UNIBO) regarding the role of IL courses in secondary education and their influence on students’ thinking. This quantitative study demonstrates that such courses significantly enhance students’ critical engagement with information, equipping them to navigate complex information ecosystems responsibly. Finally, to demonstrate practical applications, the paper presents a case study of an IL course taught to students in UNIWA’s Department of Archival, Library, and Information Studies (ALIS). Inspired by the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the course emphasizes defining information needs; searching, accessing and evaluating information; synthesizing new content; using information ethically; and sharing knowledge. The course equips students with transferable skills while raising awareness of sustainability issues, providing a model for integrating IL into broader educational curricula. This paper highlights the potential of IL to cultivate critically engaged, sustainability- oriented learners. It underscores how embedding IL into education can better equip individuals to address global challenges. |
2020 |
Kouis, Christos Chrysanthopoulos; Dimitrios; Koulouris, Alexandros; Efthymiou, Foteini The application of the PLUS model in a prison library: an information literacy microteaching Journal Article In: Journal of Integrated Information Management, 2020. Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: adult education, information literacy, information literacy models, prison libraries @article{Kouis2020, Purpose – This article aims to detail a plan for the application of the PLUS information literacy model in the context of a prison library. A brief overview of the literature will highlight the importance of (co-)developing activities based on multiple models and learning theories. At the same time, the article argues in favour of the idea that the implementation of information literacy programmes in the context of excluded and socially vulnerable groups can substantially help to improve their self-image and their smooth integration within the restrictive walls of the prison, as well enhancing their capability of returning to society and functioning as law-abiding members.. This will be followed by a presentation of the steps for implementing such a work plan in a prison library, with the aim of helping second chance school learners prepare a presentation on racism. The article is based on an assignment prepared for the “Information Literacy” course at the Department of Archival, Library & Information Studies, during the spring semester of the 2019-2020 academic year. Design/methodology/approach - The research hypothesis for the project is situated within the context of a prison library. There, the educator teaching the subject of Sociology (Social Literacy) at the Second Chance School (SCS), will express their wish that each learner prepares a presentation - on the subject of discrimination (e.g. gender, political beliefs, religion, social exclusion, minorities, etc.). To this end, the educator will propose that learners seek guidance from the librarian on a topic pertinent to the concept of discrimination (racism). The approach followed by learners when preparing their presentation will be based on the PLUS model of information literacy. Subsequently, the steps taken by the librarian will be presented to them, and their choices will be justified on the basis of the literature concerning the design of learning processes. Methodologically, the study is based on the synthesis of fundamental theories of adult education with the PLUS information literacy model. indings - The development of work plans in an informational organisation environment, inspired by microteaching, can serve as a good example for promoting the application of informational models to their operation and services. This article, presenting every step of this process, can serve as a pilot for the application of a work plan by educators and information scientists. Originality/value - There are few examples of applications of informational models in educational processes for socially vulnerable or excluded groups. This article also enhances awareness on issues pertaining to libraries and education within prisons not just in Greece, but also abroad. Let us not forget that, in the 21st century, there still exist countries in which the human rights to education and information for detained people are still being violated. |
2019 |
Kokkinos, Dionysis; Alexandros, Koulouris Plagiarism: initial research findings in undergraduate students Journal Article In: Journal of Integrated Information Management, vol. 4, no. 1, pp. 18-23, 2019. Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Higher Education, information literacy, Plagiarism, Statistical analysis, Understanding plagiarism @article{Kokkinos2019, Purpose - This paper presents and discusses the main results of a small-scale research concerning students’ and academic staff’s perceptions about plagiarism and its implications. The research was conducted in 2018, at the Department of Archival, Library & Information Studies, University of West Attica, with the use of two separate on-line questionnaires. Design/methodology/approach – The questionnaires, consisted of open and closed-ended questions, were sent respectively to the undergraduate students and to the academic staff of the Department. As a result, 62 questionnaires were completed by the students (~10% of the whole population) and 9 by the academic staff, which was the total number of the faculty members at the time of the study. Findings - The findings demonstrate that the students’ and the academic staff’s comprehension and perception of the term plagiarism, as well as their attitude towards the disciplinary implications, that this phenomenon entails, make it an imperative for the academic realm and especially for libraries to deal with it actively and proactively. Originality/value – Useful findings were made regarding the perception and the comprehension of plagiarism phenomenon for undergraduate students. |