Modules

Module 1: Introduction to Information Literacy and Learning Resources

Information Literacy equips students with the knowledge and skills to identify, locate, evaluate, and use information effectively and ethically. This module introduces the fundamental concepts of information literacy, the role of academic libraries in supporting teaching, learning, research, and the diverse range of learning resources available to support academic inquiry. It also develops students’ foundational competencies in accessing and using library resources responsibly to support scholarly learning and research.

Key Learning Areas of Module 1:

  • Understanding the role of academic libraries and importance of Information Literacy (IL):
    Learn what information literacy is and why it is essential for academic integrity and success, critical thinking, informed decision-making, lifelong and independent learning, and the role of academic libraries in teaching, learning, and research.
  • Distinguishing between data, information, and knowledge:
    Examine the relationship between raw data, processed information, and acquired knowledge to develop a clear understanding of how data is transformed into meaningful information and knowledge.
  • Identifying different types of information sources (primary, secondary, and tertiary):
    Learn to recognize various information sources and determine when each type of source is most appropriate for academic use.
  • Recognizing, accessing and using print, electronic, and open-access library resources:
    Explore the range of resources available through the FNU Library, including books, journals, databases, e-books, and openly accessible scholarly materials from subject-specific databases.
  • Becoming familiar with library services and facilities:
    Discover the services provided by the library, such as borrowing, reference assistance, research support, information literacy training, and access to learning technologies.
  • Navigating the library website for library policies, procedures and catalogue (OPAC):
    Develop practical skills in using the library’s online systems to locate books, journals, and other academic resources efficiently.
  • Understanding the discovery tools, research guides, subject-specific library support and institutional repository (Dspace):
    Explore library guides and discipline-specific resources that aid students in locating high-quality information relevant to their field of study.
  • Applying the principles of academic integrity and ethical use of information:
    Understand the importance of using information responsibly by acknowledging sources, avoiding plagiarism, respecting copyright, and using AI and LLM (Large Language Model) ethically in academic and research work.


For a hands-on or virtual session, please contact your User Engagement Librarian as below, copying Senior Librarian E-Learning & Engagement Services, Ms Luisa Fapiano: luisa.fapiano@fnu.ac.fj, for further assistance.

College CAFF CBHTS CETVET CHEL CMNHS
Campus Koronivia, Narere Nasinu, Nabua, Nasese, Labasa Derrick, PCMS Natabua, Namaka, Naceva, Ba Pasifika, Public Health, Nursing
Staff Details Ms. Eleni Bai
eleni.bai@fnu.ac.fj 		Ms. Bimla Devi
bimla.devi@fnu.ac.fj 		Ms. Titilia Palako
titilia.palako@fnu.ac.fj 		Ms. Subhashni Reddy
subhashni.reddy@fnu.ac.fj 		Ms. Susana Vadei
susana.vadei@fnu.ac.fj

Module 2: Information Needs and Smart Search Strategies

This module introduces participants to the fundamentals of defining information needs and applying smart search strategies to find the most relevant materials for their learning and research work. It aims to develop the skills needed to identify relevant information, search efficiently, and retrieve credible academic resources to support quality research.

Key Learning Areas of Module 2:

  • Defining information needs and smart search strategies:
    Introduces the skills needed to identify information needs and use effective search strategies to locate relevant academic information and address identified knowledge gaps.
  • Defining information needs and types:
    Clearly defining information needs to help focus on research and improve the relevance and efficiency of information searching depending on purpose and information backgrounds.
  • Research question and characteristics:
    A focused research question that guides the research process to relate and is sufficiently complex to support meaningful investigation.
  • Identifying keywords and alternate keywords:
    Keywords are the main concepts extracted from a research question and used to search for relevant information. Alternative keywords, including synonyms and related terms, broaden searches and improve retrieval of relevant information.
  • Boolean Operators:
    Boolean operators (AND, OR, NOT) combine or refine search terms to improve the accuracy and scope of search results.
  • Phrase searching, truncation and wildcards:
    Phrase searching uses quotation marks to retrieve results containing the exact sequence of words. Truncation and wildcard symbols retrieve different word endings and spelling variations to expand search results.
  • Advanced search techniques to choose information sources:
    Advanced search features such as filters, field searching, and subject headings help retrieve more precise and relevant information to match the research purpose and academic requirements.
  • Smart Searching in Library Databases:
    Smart searching in library databases combines effective search techniques with database tools to locate high-quality scholarly resources efficiently.
  • Evaluating Information (CRAAP):
    The CRAAP Test evaluates information based on Currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy, and Purpose (CRAAP) to determine its credibility.
  • Define common searching mistakes:
    Recognizing common searching mistakes helps researchers improve search strategies and retrieve more information that is relevant.
  • Search Strategy and tips to access the FNU databases:
    An example search strategy demonstrates how keywords and search techniques are combined to locate relevant academic literature. Practical research tips encourage efficient searching, critical evaluation, and ethical use of information throughout the research process.


For a hands-on or virtual session, please contact your User Engagement Librarian as below, copying Senior Librarian E-Learning & Engagement Services, Ms Luisa Fapiano: luisa.fapiano@fnu.ac.fj, for further assistance.

College CAFF CBHTS CETVET CHEL CMNHS
Campus Koronivia, Narere Nasinu, Nabua, Nasese, Labasa Derrick, PCMS Natabua, Namaka, Naceva, Ba Pasifika, Public Health, Nursing
Staff Details Ms. Eleni Bai
eleni.bai@fnu.ac.fj 		Ms. Bimla Devi
bimla.devi@fnu.ac.fj 		Ms. Titilia Palako
titilia.palako@fnu.ac.fj 		Ms. Subhashni Reddy
subhashni.reddy@fnu.ac.fj
 		Ms. Susana Vadei
susana.vadei@fnu.ac.fj

Module 3: Academic Integrity, Ethical Information Use and Reference Management

This module develops students’ understanding of academic integrity, ethical use of information, and reference management by promoting responsible research practices, accurate citation and referencing, the avoidance of plagiarism, and the effective organization of information sources.

Key Learning Areas of Module 3:

  • Understanding academic misconduct and integrity:
    Understand the principles and academic values, i.e. University Academic and Student Regulations (UASR), identify the different forms of academic misconduct and develop strategies to avoid plagiarism and uphold scholarly standards for ethical use.
  • Recognizing predatory journals and questionable publications:
    Identify the characteristics of predatory publishers and understand how to avoid unreliable or deceptive scholarly publications.
  • Paraphrasing, summarizing, and quoting:
    Learn appropriate techniques for incorporating information from sources while maintaining academic integrity and avoiding similarities or plagiarism.
  • Citation and referencing:
    Develop the skills to cite and reference information sources accurately using recognized academic referencing styles.
  • Reference Management Tools:
    Gain practical experience using reference management software to organize references and generate citations efficiently.

    • EndNote:
      To assist researchers, students, and academics in storing sources, organizing citations, and automatically generating bibliographies in formats like APA, MLA, or Chicago.
    • RefWorks:
      To assist and store, organize, and share research materials.
    • Zotero:
      To assist users and collect research materials (like PDFs, webpages, and books), to organize them into searchable libraries, annotate and take notes, and automatically generate citations and bibliographies.
    • Mendeley:
      To assist researchers and students in collecting, organizing, and citing academic papers.
  • Using Turnitin to Support Academic Integrity:
    Learn how to use Turnitin through Moodle to submit papers, interpret similarity reports, and use Turnitin Clarity. Apply strategies to avoid plagiarism, improve referencing, and produce original academic work.


For a hands-on or virtual session, please contact your User Engagement Librarian as below, copying Senior Librarian E-Learning & Engagement Services, Ms Luisa Fapiano: luisa.fapiano@fnu.ac.fj, for further assistance.

College CAFF CBHTS CETVET CHEL CMNHS
Campus Koronivia, Narere Nasinu, Nabua, Nasese, Labasa Derrick, PCMS Natabua, Namaka, Naceva, Ba Pasifika, Public Health, Nursing
Staff Details Ms. Eleni Bai
eleni.bai@fnu.ac.fj 		Ms. Bimla Devi
bimla.devi@fnu.ac.fj 		Ms. Titilia Palako
titilia.palako@fnu.ac.fj 		Ms. Subhashni Reddy
subhashni.reddy@fnu.ac.fj 		Ms. Susana Vadei
susana.vadei@fnu.ac.fj

Module 4: Statistical Tools for research and data analysis

This module introduces statistical tools, software, and techniques used in academic and professional research. Through hands-on training, students will explore the software to emphasize data preparation, cleaning, and ensuring the integrity of research findings, draw meaningful conclusions and present results professionally, preparing them for real-world research challenges in various disciplines.

Key Learning Areas of Module 4:

  • Understanding the importance of evaluating information sources:
    Understand the importance of statistics in research and decision-making, distinguish between data types and statistical techniques, and apply appropriate statistical tools to analyze qualitative and quantitative data.
  • Introduction to SPSS & Data Management:
    Navigate the SPSS interface using the drop-down menus or syntax. Create data entry in SPSS, import data files from Excel, edit and organize datasets, present data using SPSS-generated graphs and summary statistics, handle missing data, and interpret the results of the statistical analysis.
  • Introduction to NVIVO:
    Introduction to NVIVO as a qualitative research tool. Identify different terms used in NVivo, i.e. File, Codes (Nodes), Cases, and Classifications. Explore the NVivo workspace: title bar, navigation view, ribbon, detail view, and list view. Import and organize files in NVivo, analyze data by coding qualitative themes, and gain knowledge of importing and organizing qualitative data in the NVivo research tool.
  • Introduction to EViews and Basic Data Handling:
    Understand the purpose and scope of EViews in econometrics and data analysis. Navigate the EViews interface and understand the structure (work files, windows, objects). Import and manage data (Excel, CSV, etc.) in EViews. Create and manipulate series and samples. Create new data from existing data.
  • Introduction to R & R Studio:
    Understand the fundamentals of the R programming language. Navigate and utilize the R Studio environment effectively. Execute basic R commands and scripts. Install and explore R and R Studio. Perform vectorized arithmetic operations. Understand expressions, objects, and workspace management.
  • Introduction to STATA with basic commands:
    Practice STATA and navigate its interface, i.e. command, results, variables and properties. Identify how STATA responds to commands and displays output.


For a hands-on or virtual session, please contact the University Librarian, Dr. Udya Shukla on ul@fnu.ac.fj / udya.shukla@fnu.ac.fj copying Executive Officer, Ms Upashna Goundar:EOLibrary@fnu.ac.fjfor any further assistance.