Promoting the integration of freshmen in the Information and Documentation pregraduate studies in Spain through introductory subjects

Abstract

Because Spanish freshmen in the Library and Information pregraduate studies usually have not had enough previous exposure —and therefore background— to their new field of study, the different Spanish universities that are offering these studies include introductory subjects at the beginning of their syllabi. After discussing the Spanish context, a specific innovative project is presented of such a subject: “Introduction to the sciences of information and documentation” in the pregraduate studies in Library and Information Science of the University of Saragossa (Spain). The principles that have inspired its design and the teaching strategies and activities that are followed to increase students’ awareness and motivation are presented. The programme is based in the application of active learning strategies, collaborative learning, intensive use of information and communication technologies and continuous references to the development of generic skills.