information literacy: the road to student success

CYNTHIA ROBERTS

KAREN QUINN-WISNIEWSKI

Information Literacy:The Road to Student

Success

What are some characteristics of an information literate student?

Official Definition

… an intellectual framework for identifying, finding, understanding, evaluating and using information.

It includes determining the nature and extent of needed information; accessing information effectively and efficiently; evaluating critically information and its sources; incorporating selected information in the learner’s knowledge base and value system; using information effectively to accomplish a specific purpose…

Middle States Commission on Higher Education, Characteristics of Excellence in Higher Education: Eligibility Requirements and Standards for Accreditation, 2002

Why are we focusing so much attention on Information Literacy?

This NOT just about technology, it’s about critical thinking and decision making.

They will use these skills in college and for the rest of their lives.

Why are we focusing so much attention on Information Literacy?

Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Standard 14: Assessment of Student Learning• The integration of information literacy across the curriculum to develop research and communication skills.

Middle States Commission on Higher Education, Characteristics of Excellence in Higher Education: Eligibility Requirements and Standards for Accreditation, 2002 (italics ours)

Standard 11: Educational Offerings:• collaboration among professional library staff, faculty, and administrators in fostering information literacy and technological competency skills across the curriculum;

• evidence of information literacy incorporated into the curriculum with syllabi, or other material appropriate to the mode of teaching and learning, describing expectations for students’ demonstration of information literacy skills;

• assessment of information literacy outcomes, including assessment of related learner abilities;

Why is it harder than ever?

TMI! No filter.

Internet:• growing quickly

• easy user-generated content • lack of quality control

• Google makes it simple but not accurate

Are Search Engines Enough?

Library Home Page

Information Literacy Core Competency

First-year students should be able to  • Choose an appropriate topic for research

• Choose appropriate keywords for searching

• Understand the difference between magazines and journals

• Understand and execute a Boolean search

• Determine what kind of information is appropriate for the assignments

• Cite the information sources in an appropriate format

• Locate full-text information with a bibliographic citation

• Evaluate information by examining authenticity, currency, validity, and reliability

Model of Faculty/Librarian Collaboration

Contact a CCBC librarian: to review assignments, to get a personalized tour of the Library’s web page, electronic resources, and services

Give students a detailed written description and spend time explaining assignment in class

Schedule a Library instruction session

Hands-on exercises, explore interactive information literacy sites