The Library offers a range of Information Research Skills (IRS) programmes that incorporate the Research Skills Development Framework.
IRS TRAINING for undergraduate and post-graduate students is available ONLINE for all students across the USP Network. These sessions are advertised via tukutuku, FB and on MOODLE. Furthermore, the ONLINE sessions are offered from the IRS Lab on Level A at the Laucala Campus and students at Laucala are encouraged to and may attend in the F2F mode.
UNDERGRADUATE INFORMATION RESEARCH SKILLS: WALK ONLINE: ADVERTISED VIA TUKUTUKU/FB
The library (Laucala) offers walk-in sessions which are advertised on social media and All-staff/student email. These walk in sessions for undergraduates take place every week during semester and cover a range of topics from planning your search to referencing skills. We strongly encourage all students to attend these sessions as they deliver skills that academics expect their students to possess in order to do research for their assignments. The Undergraduate IRS modules consists of the following:
- Module 1 – Understanding Information
This module explores different interpretations of information, examining how it is viewed as stored knowledge, environmental data, a component of the communication process, and as a resource or commodity. It also delves into various types of information and provides guidance on accessing information resources through online catalogues, electronic databases such as ProQuest and JSTOR, and search engines like Google. - Module 2 – Finding Information
This consolidated module will equip participants with the essential skills to find accurate, relevant, and reliable information for their research needs. The module combines the exploration of how to effectively locate information across various platforms, including Search@USP Library, databases, and Google Scholar. Participants will learn how to construct search strategies, utilise advanced search techniques, and access scholarly resources from a variety of sources to support their academic work. - Module 3 – Evaluating Information
In this module, participants will explore the critical skills necessary to evaluate the quality and relevance of information sources. They will learn how to apply the START evaluative criteria (Source, Timeliness, Authority, Relevance, and Transparency) to assess the usefulness and credibility of the information they find. It will also emphasise the importance of continuously reflecting on the information-seeking process and revising search strategies to improve the quality and effectiveness of the results. By the end of the module, participants will be equipped with the tools to make informed decisions about the sources they use, ensuring they select the most relevant and reliable information for their academic or research needs. - Module 4 – Managing Information
The Managing Information module combines the key concepts of plagiarism prevention and proper referencing practices to ensure ethical information management in academic work. It covers identifying various types of plagiarism, understanding how to avoid it, and emphasising the importance of respecting intellectual property. Additionally, the module provides guidance on how to accurately cite sources, give proper attribution, and use citations effectively in academic writing to maintain academic integrity. - Module 5 – Creating Information
The module focuses on the practical use of reference management tools—specifically EndNote and Mendeley—to help students manage their citations and references effectively. By mastering these tools, students will be equipped to produce high-quality academic work that correctly attributes the ideas and contributions of others. It will also cover the key principles of citation and proper attribution, ensuring that students can cite sources accurately, streamline their research process, and maintain academic integrity throughout their work.
POST-GRADUATE MANDATORY INFORMATION RESEARCH SKILLS SESSIONS (14.5 HOURS): MOODLE
All newly enrolled Post-graduate students are required to complete the Library’s mandatory Information Research Skills programme in their first semester/trimester of study as stated in the USP Handbook and Calendar 2025. The programme is offered ONLINE via Moodle. More information can be found in this FAQ
For students who prefer to complete this course in a classroom setting; we also offer face-to-face (F2F) tutorials by professional library staff at Laucala, Samoa, Emalus, and the Solomon Islands campuses. Sessions are advertised via All-staff/student email.
The Post-graduate IRS modules consists of the following:
Module 1 – Library Services, Website & Introduction to Literature Reviews
Module 2 – Finding Information Resources Using Search@USP Library & Databases
Module 3 – Grey Literature & Annotated Bibliography
Module 4 – Working With Citation Tools Using EndNote/Mendeley To Manage References
Module 5 – Presenting Information
USP Campus and Centre Libraries in the Region
Campus Libraries without professional Library staff may receive tutorials from Laucala on request using video conference software. Campus Directors, academics and PG students should contact the IRS Coordinator, Ms. Vasiti Chambers on email vasiti.chambers@usp.ac.fj or call (679) 3232287 to arrange sessions.
Staff
The Library strongly encourages academics to work with their Liaison Librarian (LL) to identify and offer information research skills sessions tailored to specific courses and programmes.
The Library also offers IRS training for academic staff and support staff on request.
For further information on any of the above or to arrange sessions contact the IRS Coordinator, Ms. Vasiti Chambers vasiti.chambers@usp.ac.fj; (679) 3232287.