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To keep pace with the social reality created by a Web 2.0 world, contemporary research studies must employ participatory research methods. Photovoice has emerged from the fields of health and community assessment studies as a photo elicitation technique that facilitates participant involvement at all stages of the research process. This poster presents Photovoice as used in an ongoing longitudinal research study assessing the information literacy (IL) skills of students as they transition from high school to university. The poster highlights how this research method can be employed in research practices across the field of information science with a focus on studies of individuals' use of, and engagement with technology.

The purpose of this longitudinal research study is to assess the information literacy (IL) skills of grade 12 students as they transition to university in order to determine their preparedness for academic work in the digital age. This poster reports the results of the first phase of this study which included a university-wide information literacy instruction (ILI) audit, as well as the administration of the quantitative Information Literacy Test (ILT) to 103 grade 12 students. Results indicate a gap between the expectations and skills required in secondary and post-secondary education. The results of this study contribute new knowledge to the research literature on IL, by providing a unique understanding of the information literacy skills possessed by grade 12 students as they transition to university. This will also be important for professional practice by providing librarians tasked with ILI with evidence enabling construction of tailored curriculum to address specific IL deficits shown by new students.

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