1. Agored
Unit CCZ143: Information Literacy Level 3
Candidate Logbook
Candidate Name: Mark Antony Jones
Candidate Number:
Centre:
Start Date: 16/11/12
Finish Date: 12/12/12
Assessor: Ceri Powell
Summary
In order to successfully complete this Unit, the candidate must carry out the specified practical tasks relating to Outcomes 1, 2, 3 and 4.
The tutor/assessor should fill in the topic and the date of completion against each search in the table below.
Search Topic Completion Date
Complex Search Kyffin Williams, artist
I certify that all the work detailed in this logbook has been carried out unaided by the candidate named above.
Signed:…………………………………………………………. Date:…………………….
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2. The assessor should fill in the date of completion against each task in the table below.
Completion
Date
LEARNING Assessment
OUTCOMES Criteria
The learner will: The learner can:
1. Be able to identify a Define the information topic required using mind-mapping, brainstorming or another 2.1, 2.2
the information technique.
topic and develop b Produce an action plan including tasks, steps, locations and timelines for how the 2.4
a plan to gather information is to be gathered and identifying the specific information (criteria)
the information required. 2.5
required c Justify why the chosen approach has been adopted.
2. Understand the a Categorise available information sources including at least 2 different formats
1.1, 1.2
advantages and and at least 2 different mediums. Explain how each information source is
limitations of a range organised and how it can be explored
of information 1.3
b Identify the features and characteristics of the information available in different
sources. types of information sources.
c Compare the different information sources. 1.4
3. Understand how to a Search for information using multiple search criteria and combine keywords using 2.3, 3.1
gather required techniques appropriate to the search engine and summarise why potential resources
information and have been selected.
assess its relevance. b 3.2
Assess how well information returned meets the criteria set in 1b.
c Review how the search criteria could be improved to find more suitable information, 3.3, 3.4
assessing any gaps or new information needed and put in place action to gather the 3.5, 4.5
remaining information until criteria in 1b are fully met.
4. Be able to a Select and sort information and data by questions identified in 1.b and integrate with 4.1, 4.2
4.3
communicate existing knowledge in a summarised format, using references and/or citation to
information gained acknowledge the information source.
according to purpose b Communicate findings in two appropriate formats for the audience to illustrate findings, 4.4
and audience. show trends and/or make comparisons.
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3. COMPLEX SEARCH
Outcome 1: Be able to identify the information topic and develop a plan to gather the information required.
You must complete ALL sections to obtain a pass in Outcome 1
For outcome 1 you will need to do the following:
a Define the information topic required using mind-mapping, brainstorming or another
technique.
b Produce an action plan including tasks, steps, locations and timelines for how the
information is to be gathered and identifying the specific information (criteria)
required.
c Justify why the chosen approach has been adopted.
1a Clarify information already known using mind-mapping, brainstorming or another technique
Task Techniques used Information gained
Define the
information Kyffin Williams The student had googled basic bibliographic detail
question (topic) Knowledge is limited. http://www.bbc.co.uk/wales/arts/sites/kyffin-williams/
Local catalogue searched for more information on location of
Anything about Kyffin Williams paintings of landscapes in Wales and prices at auction.
Questions in white boxes apply to all enquiries. The shaded questions will depend on the nature of the enquiry (use NA if not
applicable).
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4. 1b Produce an action plan including tasks, steps, locations and timelines for how the information is to be gathered and
identifying the specific information (criteria) required.
Information gained
Deadline 1 week
Information overload Basic information, biographical, information on paintings and Welsh
landscape
Purpose Part of coursework - Access to Humanities Level 3 (Literature and
Landscape – R S Thomas and Kyffin Williams)
Level 3
Support All carried out by library staff but the client was shown how to use the
catalogue.
Kyffin Williams
Who?
Any information, but in particular on his landscapes of Wales and where
What? these might be viewed locally.
16/11/12 – week‟s deadline. Williams‟ dates are 1918 – 2006.
When?
The student was particularly interested in Williams‟ Welsh landscapes –
Where? less so on his other art, eg his paintings of Venice. Paintings might be
held in galleries outside Wales.
Material for coursework.
Why?
NA
How?
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5. 1c Justify why the chosen approach has been adopted.
Your approach Possible problems
Search engine for quick bibliographic and biographical info. Availability of books of the landscape scenes for loan or time
taken getting items from other libraries.
Catalogue search for books of landscapes. Information overload.
Dead links.
Searched periodicals and local newspapers. Subjective blogs.
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6. Outcome 2: Understand the advantages and limitations of a range of information sources.
You must complete ALL sections to obtain a pass in Outcome 2
For outcome 2 you will need to do the following:
a Categorise available information sources including at least 2 different formats and at least 2 different mediums. Explain how each
information source is organised and how it can be explored
b Identify the features and characteristics of the information available in different types of information sources.
c Compare the different information sources.
2a Categorise available information sources including at least 2 different formats and at least 2 different mediums.
Information source Media How is the source organised and how can it be searched?
(Format eg people, books, journals, Which different media is How the material is arranged eg parts, volumes, issues?
newspapers, audio visual, electronic) this source available in How can it be searched eg electronically, index, word search etc
eg online, hardcopy,
audio etc
Search Engine Online Keyword search, electronic
Search Engine Online Keyword search, electronic
Newspaper article, journals, periodicals etc Newsbank, etabloid Keyword database search done via ATHENS
Book – via searchable catalogue Hard copy Index, contents
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7. Complete the following table for each source listed in 2a x 4 ONLINE SEARCH BBC Wales Online – general information
2b Identify the features and characteristics of the information available in different types of information sources.
Task Your approach Information gained
Focus The initial information „given‟ was The initial request for Kyffin Willams life history.
Is the information broad or narrow narrow; it required a basic keyword or Detail was found quickly: birth, death, places of
simple Boolean search. study and lists of works.
Dynamic The information needs are dynamic. Another simple keyword search using a search
Is the information changing or static Client now wants information on works engine - provided good links eg Oriel Ynys
which can be viewed locally and which Mon and Royal Cambrian Academy. Basic
are of the Welsh landscape.. information but useful links.
Complexity The information is based on the single The website found contained enough relevant
Is the information based on a single topic, Kyffin Williams and his works, information for the complexity required – general
topic or inter-related subjects specifically Welsh landscapes. biographic detail..
Media Electronic, online search engine. Electronic. Last updated October 2009.
Is the information provided in print,
electronic or audio visual format
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8. 2b Identify the features and characteristics of the information available in different types of information sources. BOOK
Task Your approach Information gained
Focus I searched the library catalogue and The information covers in detail his life history,
Is the information broad or narrow found the Kyffin Williams autobiography, education, interests, paintings and travels.
which holds an expansive range of
information. Other books are also
available.
Dynamic The information itself is dynamic and More detail about his life and especially his
Is the information changing or static becoming more detailed. thoughts on the local area where he lived and
painted.
Complexity The information is based on the single The autobiography „The Wilder Sky‟ has opened
Is the information based on a single topic, Kyffin Williams and his works, a wide variety of areas in Kyffin Williams‟s life
topic or inter-related subjects specifically landscapes that the client would be able to use when his
project is expanded!
Media Hardcopy book located using the Talis The book was available and on the shelves and
Is the information provided in print, catalogue. contained more than enough information for the
electronic or audio visual format enquiry. Other titles were available.
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9. 2b Identify the features and characteristics of the information available in different types of information sources.
WEBSITES
Task Your approach Information gained
Focus The information given was very wide – I found the most relevant websites to Kyffin
Is the information broad or narrow general biographic information and Williams art on local display. The enquiry was
critical study of the paintings. This can for biographic information and local displays of
be narrowed down to the Welsh Welsh landscapes, so not all information gained
landscapes and biographical was relevant.
information.
Dynamic The information was static but, due to Some information gained – prices of paintings
Is the information changing or static the results, local information was found. sold at auction, temporary exhibitions, new
critical studies of the paintings, critical views.
Complexity Information is general but can be related Deatails of forthcoming exhibitions; details of KW
Is the information based on a single eg to Welsh art, landscape in art, Welsh blog at National library of Wales.
topic or inter-related subjects Writing in English.
Media The information is in electronic form. Electronic. Some PDFs available to be printed,
Is the information provided in print, eg a catalogue.
electronic or audio visual format
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10. 2b Identify the features and characteristics of the information available in different types of information sources.
NEWSPAPER ARTICLES
Task Your approach Information gained
Focus The information given was very wide – I found the most relevant websites to Kyffin
Is the information broad or narrow general biographic information and Williams art on local display. The enquiry was
critical study of the paintings. This can for biographic information and local displays of
be narrowed down to the Welsh Welsh landscapes, so not all information gained
landscapes and biographical was relevant.
information.
Dynamic The information was dynamic as articles Some new information gained – prices of
Is the information changing or static are added daily. paintings sold at auction, temporary exhibitions,
new critical studies of the paintings, critical
views.
Complexity Information is general but can be related Article chosen personal evaluation of KW based
Is the information based on a single eg to Welsh art, landscape in art, Welsh on personal experience. Discusses his artistic
topic or inter-related subjects Writing in English. technique and manifesto on painting Welsh
landscapes. Many articles available from this
source..
Media The information is in electronic form. Electronic on Newsbank but can be printed off.
Is the information provided in print,
electronic or audio visual format
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11. Complete the following table for each source listed in 2a (Search Engine) x 4 sources
2c Compare the different information sources.
Task Your approach Effectiveness assessment
BBC
ARTS
WALES
ONLINE
Currency BBC Arts Website is updated often. Although the BBC page was last updated in 2009, it held was as
Wales Online page for Kyffin Williams was last up to date as required, as he died in 2006.
updated July 2011. The Wales Online information was recent enough for the enquiry.
The books found in the catalogue were of recent date and
contained many illustrations.
Validity Information gained was checked with the user to Due to personal knowledge and frequent use of the BBC website
see if it was what they required. as a valid source, I was able to obtain what the client wanted.
Reliability Cooperation known for its reliability was chosen Again, the fact that the BBC is well known for its research the
as a source for the information required. Wales chances of unreliability were low. The links were up to date.
Online is powered by the Western Mail and
businesses in Wales and seems to be reliable.
The websites
Authority The BBC is noted for its authority on most Knowing that the BBC is well known for its authority led me to
subjects and uses the knowledge of professionals. believe this was a good source for information required. The
Wales online covers news throughout Wales and authority for Wales Online was good enough for the level
has access to authorities in different fields. required. The Wales Online conforms to the newspapers
voluntary code of practice administered by the press complaints
commission; sources should be reliable! Due to this website
being run by the Western Mail and the South Wales Echo,
amongst others, I would regard the Wales Online information to
be trusted by most users and search engines.
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12. Sufficiency The client was asked how much material he Although the client was happy with the information gained, once I
required. As a start, printouts from the websites had explained that they could access a book and e-resources it
were sufficient. was decided that material from these sources would add to the
reliability and sufficiency of the material.
Relevance By using keywords given I was able to utilise The basic search strategy was enough to bring up relevant
search techniques, such as using quotes, intext: information but, by showing the client how to use advanced
commands and related search tools to gather strategies, she was able to go away find more relevant
relevant information. information by refining her search and widening it beyond Google
and Wikipedia.
Bias The nature of the query denoted to me that bias The material I found on the website didn‟t show any bias, as in,
shouldn‟t be an issue with the request of no partiality, preference or prejudice was found. This could have
biographic information.. been cross referenced with other websites and books.
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13. 2 c Task – Your approach Effectiveness assessment
WEBSITES -
SPECIALIST
Currency I was lucky to find information that was relatively The websites I used were updated daily. They had good links.
current without searching by dates. These
websites, in particular Oriel Ynys Mon, are
regularly updated, eg with exhibition dates.
Validity Information gained was checked with the user to The client was happy that she could view paintings at Oriel Ynys
see if it was what they required. Mon and the Royal Cambrian Academy. The biographic material
on the Oriel Ynys Mon website was authoritative.
Reliability The Oriel Ynys Mon website was originally Personal knowledge.
approved by KW and is updated by KW
specialists. The National Library of Wales and the
Royal Cambrian Academy are national
organisations.
Authority I chose the websites because they are well-known Oriel Ynys Mon is staffed by KW experts who contribute to the
and trusted website and were one of the top hits website.
when searching Google. The newspaper/journal
articles were of local provenance.
Sufficiency When I showed the client the website he said he The biographic and bibliographic information was sufficient for
was happy with the amount of information found. Level 3, and the locations of local paintings could be checked
with the two galleries.
Relevance By using keywords given I was able to utilise The search strategies I showed the client was good enough to
search techniques, such as using quotes, intext: find relevant information for her requirements.
commands and related search tools to gather
relevant information.
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14. Bias The nature of the query denoted to me that bias The material I found on the websites didn‟t show any bias; no
shouldn‟t be an issue with the request. Some partiality, preference or prejudice was found.
websites can express opinions on the paintings.
2c Compare the different information sources.
NEWSBANK
Task Your approach Effectiveness assessment
Currency Newsbank searches can be filtered by relevance Since KW died in 2009; the search was mostly aimed at
or publication date. relevance. Although the client found some of the latest new
articles useful, as in, reviews by art critics and exhibitions.
Validity Information gained was checked with the user to The information accurately reflected what the client required and
see if it was what they required. could be cross referenced with the material found in the different
types of newspapers.
Reliability Newsbank was chosen for its reliability, in that, Looking at the source of the information and the varieties of
you are able to search high quality newspapers, newspapers available, we can assume the material to be
as well as the tabloids. dependable and trustworthy. This can be seen when the
information in the local Welsh newspapers is reflected in the
national broadsheets.
Authority Newsbank covers the majority of the UK‟s The material found covered a wide range of newspapers that
newspapers, some of whom are noted for their have well known art critics working for them, who had plenty to
authority in the arts, which is why I chose this say about Kyffin Williams but we found enough material in the
resource. Western Mail.
Sufficiency I showed the client a number of results which she Although the client was happy with the amount of material
said would be enough from this particular presented, I showed her how to save his searches in case she
resource. should change is mind and needed to go back to the results.
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15. Relevance To gather relevant information I altered the search Having spoken to the client and explained that I could show her
results from publication dates to relevance. how to filter the results by relevance instead of date; that this
would include information going back years, but she said that the
age of the material wasn‟t of real concern.
Bias Bias wasn‟t an issue, as we were looking for basic The nature of the information request suggested to me that it
information that covered simple biographical didn‟t require the level of evaluation that, for example, an in-depth
detail. political or philosophical enquiry would need.
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16. 2c Your approach Effectiveness assessment
Currency It was put to the client that the book was printed in Although it didn‟t take us up to his death, the client found the
1996 and didn‟t cover the last ten years of his life. book extremely informative and what he couldn‟t gain from his
BOOK later years he had available in the form of the information given to
him in the printouts and Newsbank.
Validity I searched the library catalogue to find a Kyffin It wasn‟t difficult to find a valid source in book, as the library has a
Williams book that covered his landscapes, which well-stocked art section that happened to include a book of Welsh
unearthed his autobiography. I showed the details landscapes, which the client found suitable for his needs.
of the book to the client who thought it valid for his
needs.
Reliability The Wilder Sky was chosen as a reliable source The information taken from this book can be taken as reliable, as
because it is written by the author himself. it is an autobiography. Also it is well known and reviews can be
found in newpaper, journal articles and online.
Authority The nature of the book, being an autobiography of Kyffin Williams is well known authority in his field. Searching
an artist, makes it an authority on the artist as library catalogues or the internet will bring up more than enough
author. information to vouch for his reputation.
Sufficiency The client was shown the result of the catalogue The autobiography was more than sufficient in regard to the
search and I was fortunate enough to come amount required.
across the autobiography.
Relevance Searching for Kyffin Williams on the catalogue To create an effective and relevant search I could have used the
resulted in a few relevant books. advanced search option on the Library catalogue to narrow the
results to autobiography, landscape or portraits.
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17. Bias The level of information required leads me to If the client wanted to extract more detail, possibly opinions on
believe that bias shouldn‟t be an issue with this another artist, then he would have to be aware of bias and
autobiography. possibly cross referencing with other material
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18. Outcome 3. Understand how to gather required information and assess its relevance.
You must complete ALL sections to obtain a pass in Outcome 3.
For outcome 3 you will need to do the following:
a Search for information using multiple search criteria and combine keywords using techniques appropriate to the
search engine and summarise why potential resources have been selected.
b Assess how well information returned meets the criteria set in 1b.
c Review how the search criteria could be improved to find more suitable information, assessing any gaps or new
information needed and put in place action to gather the remaining information until criteria in 1b are fully met.
3a Search for information using multiple search criteria and combine keywords using techniques appropriate to the
search engine and summarise why potential resources have been selected.
Information sources (resource not How and why was this source selected?
search tool).
http://www.bbc.co.uk/wales/arts/sites/k I took keywords from the conversation with the client and put them in inverted commas to
yffin-williams/ refine the search: "Kyffin Williams" "biography.” This resource is well known for the
quality of its content and the research into the material held on the website.
Oriel Ynys Mon website Personal knowledge – I knew this was a major source of information for Kyffin Williams
http://www.kyffinwilliams.info/ and the authoritative source, endorsed by the artist himself. It also took me to the Royal
Cambrian Academy and the National Library of Wales.
Newsbank – Electronic newspaper This resource was chosen because you can search UK Newspapers in one go or, select
Resource countries or the papers individually. It was ideal for searching local newspapers for news
on local exhibitions and related articles. It is a very quick way of gathering information
and it‟s easy to filter searches by keyword, title, caption and date. I used the keywords
Kyffin Williams along with, exhibitions, auctions, paintings and landscapes. There were
numerous hits.
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19. Book – The Wilder Sky, searched for I used the local library catalogue, using the keywords Kyffin Williams. A further
using Linc y Gogledd. refinement wasn‟t necessary, as the initial search brought up the autobiography. The
client was more than happy with the book as it covered the information she was looking
for – when and where he was born, what and who influenced him etc. Other books were
available including an excellent catalogue.
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20. 3b Assess how well information returned meets the criteria set in 1b
Criteria How well did the information gained meet this criteria (state NA if that criteria is
not applicable
Deadline All the information was found during the interview process.
Information overload Although the initial internet search was enough, during the interview process and
explanation of the resources available, the client was more than interested in digging
a little deeper and expanding on the searches. No other libraries have been
contacted, but Oriel Ynys Mon were and said they were happy to help. They had
curators who had personally known Sir Kyffin.
Purpose The information covered everything the client required to complete her assignment.
By showing the client how to use Newsbank she was able to save searches that could
be used in the future. She was shown how to search the Linc y Gogledd catalogue.
Support I spent several hours (at different times) on the enquiry. I showed the student how to
access the catalogue and Newsbank via Athens.
I found out his birth, death, where he grew up, education and his lifelong influences.
Who?
In regard to his Welsh landscapes, the autobiography had detail of Snowdonia and
What? how the landscape and light influenced his style of painting.
The Walesonline website was a good choice for finding the latest prices at auction, as
When? was Newsbank with its article on recently found drawings and what they went for at
auction. KW‟s dates were 1918 – 2006 but I did look at information published after his
death.
N/A - although looking specifically at Welsh landscapes and paintings held locally.
Where?
N/A –m although possible the autobiography explained his decision to paint Welsh
Why? landscapes.
N/A – although the newspaper article explained his painting techniques.
How?
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21. 3c Review how the search criteria could be improved to find more suitable information, assessing any gaps or new
information needed and put in place action to gather the remaining information until criteria in 1b are fully met.
Your approach Suggested amendments to search strategy (and why)
The main issue with gathering the
information was that the client knew If I wanted to refine my search further, resulting possibly in peer reviewed works,
virtually nothing about Kyffin Williams, I could have used the following techniques:
apart from the fact that he was a Welsh
painter. I asked for any ideas he could give “Kyffin Williams” “biography” “landscapes” . I could have then used these terms
me from the assignment that she was in the advanced search option and filtered by file type, which may have resulted in
given, which related Kyffin‟s paintings to journal and scholarly articles.
the poetry of R s Thomas.
Instead of Newsbank, I could have used Infotrac , using keyword, subject and
From this point I needed to find some advanced searches to find relevant material. In the process I could have quickly
basic biographical information from a shown the client how to cite the material and save articles and searches.
reliable source as a start, from where I
could suggest other reliable sources that In regard to the catalogue search, I could have searched all the libraries in North
could be referenced, such as Newsbank Wales using the Linc y Gogledd catalogue. The advanced search option could
and then the autobiography. have been used to pick out biographies, landscapes and portraits; this could be
used in the future if the client would like to go into more detail.
The enquiry was then directed towards
landscapes, which was covered in
Newsbank and Walesonline , although a
book of his landscapes was identified for
loan during the initial catalogue search.
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22. Outcome 4. Be able to communicate information gained according to purpose and audience.
You must complete ALL sections to obtain a pass in Outcome 4.
a Select and sort information and data by questions identified in 1.b and integrate with existing knowledge in a
summarised format, using references and/or citation to acknowledge the information source.
b Communicate findings in two appropriate formats for the audience to illustrate findings, show trends and/or make
comparisons.
4a Select and sort information and data by questions identified in 1.b and integrate with existing knowledge in a summarised
format, using references and/or citation to acknowledge the information source.
Information Citation/Reference
Basic BBC. 2009. Kyffin Williams. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/wales/arts/sites/kyffin-williams/. [Accessed 23 November 12]
information
on Kyffin
Williams.
Includes a
biography
and links.
Information http://www.kyffinwilliams.info/eng/oriel_kyffin_williams.html Accessed 16th November 2012.
on
Williams‟s
paintings.
One of the http://infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-
articles search/we/InfoWeb?p_product=WLSNB&p_theme=aggregated5&p_action=doc&p_docid=143C44AFDF440740&p_docnum=3&p_
saved as queryname=2
part of a ‘
The Western Mail (2011), In Kyffin‟s Footsteps‟, Friday January 11, p. 9.
search using
the Accessed 23rd November 2012. Many articles are available. This is written by someone with personal knowledge of Sir Kyffin,
electronic discusses his artistic technique, and his Welsh landscapes with particular reference to Ynys Mon.
resource
Newsbank
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23. The WILLIAMS, K. (2006). A Wider Sky. Llandysul, Gwasg Gomer.
autobiograp
hy was
identified
while
showing the
client how to
use the
library
catalogue.
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24. Attach a copy of your results for presentation to the user
4b Communicate findings in two appropriate formats for the audience to illustrate findings, show trends and/or make
comparisons.
The client was given a printout of the BBC, Oriel Ynys Mon, Royal Cambrian Academy and Wales Online webpages because she
asked for copies to refer to in his assignment and to use as references.
In regard to Newsbank, she was given a username and password and shown how to search for information on ATHENS. She was
then able to save articles and print material if he so wished.
The client was shown how to use the catalogue and chose the autobiography, which she then took out on loan.
The communication was verbal, with some information passed via email.
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