Introducing…..The Cephalonian MethodUSTLG, Aston University, March 9th 2004

Nigel Morgan Information Services, Cardiff University

Why bother revamping our induction?

• Traditional methods needed revitalising• To get information across more

effectively – Need to grab students attention

• To inspire ourselves!– inject some spontaneity

• Information Literacy policy

What qualities did we want our induction to have?

• An interactive format– illusion of being “student driven”

• Interesting, lively, informative, entertaining - attention grabbing!

• Enjoyable to deliver • Careful use of humour• A sense of theatricality and unpredictability

Where did we get our inspiration?

Structure of session

Basic introductory information

Finding reading list items

Services and facilities

Miscellaneous  

My Mum’s e-mailed me a photo of Miguel, my pet iguana. Where can I print it out?

2 PC rooms (24 hour access)• Microsoft applications• Subject databases• Internet & e-mail access

• Network printing accounts • Laser printing (b&w) - 6p per A4 sheet

What if I don’t renew or bring the stuff back on time?

2 week loan - 20p / day

1 week loan - £1 / day

One day items - £1 / day

What really irritates us?

Eating & drinking

Excessive noise

Personal stereos

Loud talkers

Theft

Mobile phones !

Mobile phones !!

Mobile phones !!!

What are the advantages of the Cephalonian method?

• A good icebreaker• Works well with large groups• Encourages interaction and

discussion within small groups • Allows the presenter to be creative!

– no two sessions are ever the same • Achieved our objectives

Feedback & Evaluation

Student Comments:

“Really good idea, made it more fun to watch presentation”

“Very well presented..loved it….Bravo!”

“It was immense!!”

“It was a bit weird”

“More about Miguel please…I feel I know that iguana”

“Did you think that this session provided an effective introduction to

the library?”

Yes 97% No 0%

Don’t Know 3%

263

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0

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Response

Yes No Don't know

Number of Students

Yes

No

Don't know

“Do you think it will be beneficial to attend the next info skills session?”

Yes 79%No 3%Don’t Know 13%No Response 5%

217

9

37

11

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No. of Students

Yes

No

Don't know

NonResponse

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Non Response

Don't know

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Yes

Introducing…..The Cephalonian MethodUSTLG, Aston University, March 9th 2004

Nigel Morgan Information Services, Cardiff University