Improving Improving Information Information

Literacy Among Literacy Among UndergraduatesUndergraduatesFlorida Gulf Coast UniversityFlorida Gulf Coast University

Nora Demers, PhD.Nora Demers, PhD.Danielle Rosenthal, MLSDanielle Rosenthal, MLS

FGCU IDS 2006

FGCU IDS 2006

Project GoalProject Goal• To assess and improve information To assess and improve information

literacy at the undergraduate level in literacy at the undergraduate level in select classesselect classes– Issues in Science and Technology Issues in Science and Technology

(IDS 3303)(IDS 3303)• Present assessment of students self-Present assessment of students self-

evaluation of abilities at several levelsevaluation of abilities at several levels• Use IDS 3303 Issues in Science and Use IDS 3303 Issues in Science and

Technology as a prototype sample Technology as a prototype sample strategy to improve literacystrategy to improve literacy

FGCU IDS 2006

FGCU Learning Goals and FGCU Learning Goals and OutcomesOutcomes

Information LiteracyInformation Literacy Identify and locate multiple sources Identify and locate multiple sources of information using a variety of of information using a variety of methods. Analyze and evaluate methods. Analyze and evaluate information within a variety of information within a variety of disciplinary professional contexts. disciplinary professional contexts. Participate in collaborative analysis Participate in collaborative analysis and/or application of information and/or application of information resources.resources.

FGCU IDS 2006

FGCU’s Library ServicesFGCU’s Library ServicesInformation Literacy PlanInformation Literacy Plan

“…“…to develop learner expertise in searching to develop learner expertise in searching for, analyzing, evaluating, and managing for, analyzing, evaluating, and managing the information needed for use in the information needed for use in academic, personal, and professional life”academic, personal, and professional life”

“…“…it is intended that the skills will be it is intended that the skills will be transferable across a variety of information transferable across a variety of information systems and remain effective long after systems and remain effective long after current technology becomes obsolete”current technology becomes obsolete”

Endorsed by the Dean's Council, November 1997 and by the

Undergraduate Curriculum Committee July 17, 1998.

FGCU IDS 2006

FGCU’s Library ServicesFGCU’s Library ServicesInformation Literacy PlanInformation Literacy Plan

Adapted from ACRL's Model Statement of Objectives for Academic Bibliographic

Instruction Tier 1: Basic skills that correspond with the General Education program. Intended to provide a foundation for more advanced competencies.

Tier 2: Advanced research techniques and specialized resources unique to the discipline or professions involved.

FGCU IDS 2006

FGCU’s Library ServicesFGCU’s Library ServicesInformation Literacy PlanInformation Literacy Plan

The four ability components The four ability components How information:How information:• is identified and defined by experts.is identified and defined by experts.• sources are structured. sources are structured. • sources are intellectually accessed by users. sources are intellectually accessed by users. • sources are physically organized and sources are physically organized and

accessed.accessed.

FGCU IDS 2006

FGCU’s Library ServicesFGCU’s Library ServicesInformation Literacy ActivitiesInformation Literacy Activities

How can we help you?How can we help you?• Customized in-class instruction sessionsCustomized in-class instruction sessions

– Can include developing/modifying assignments together Can include developing/modifying assignments together • Individualized research consultations (My Individualized research consultations (My

Librarian)Librarian)• Basic Library Training (BLT’s) offered each Basic Library Training (BLT’s) offered each

semester at various times.semester at various times.• Online Tutorials-General and Database specificOnline Tutorials-General and Database specific• Online Pathfinders/Research GuidesOnline Pathfinders/Research Guides• Printable handoutsPrintable handouts

FGCU IDS 2006

FGCU IDS 2006

FGCU IDS 2006

Business and Economics, Resort and Hospitality Management

Kate Lippincott

Public Administration, Political Science, Reference

Geraldine Collins

Fine and Performing Arts, Languages and Literature, Communication, the Humanities, Philosophy and Religion

Rachel Cooke

Health Professions, Human Services & Social Work, and History

Mary Kay Hartung

Science, Math, Computer Science, Ecological Studies and Engineering

Danielle Rosenthal

Education, Anthropology, Sociology, Criminal Justice, Legal Studies and Psychology

Carol Maksian

Subject Librarians Subject Librarians (Liaisons)(Liaisons)

http://library.fgcu.edu/AboutTheLibrary/contactus.htm

FGCU IDS 2006

Collaboration is KeyCollaboration is Key• Collaboration between librarians and Collaboration between librarians and

professors is the critical factor in professors is the critical factor in obtaining information literacyobtaining information literacy

• Improving info lit at FGCU will require Improving info lit at FGCU will require comprehensive delivery and assessment of comprehensive delivery and assessment of outcomes in numerous courses at all outcomes in numerous courses at all levels.levels.

• Collaborations between Demers, Collaborations between Demers, Rosenthal and Maksian underway to Rosenthal and Maksian underway to examine effectiveness of strategies and examine effectiveness of strategies and course assignments.course assignments.

FGCU IDS 2006

IDS 3303 Issues in Science IDS 3303 Issues in Science and Technologyand Technology

This IDS course provides a scaffold of This IDS course provides a scaffold of assignments leading students assignments leading students through the process of devising and through the process of devising and implementing a research question implementing a research question about a current issue in Science and about a current issue in Science and TechnologyTechnology

FGCU IDS 2006

Tools Used in Tools Used in Issues in Science Issues in Science and Technology (IDS 3303)and Technology (IDS 3303) to to

Examine and Improve Examine and Improve Information LiteracyInformation Literacy

• Pre and Post test of literacy with Advanced Pre and Post test of literacy with Advanced Library Training (ALT) sessionsLibrary Training (ALT) sessions– ALT Sessions have been offered since 2002 in ALT Sessions have been offered since 2002 in

numerous classes in all colleges. numerous classes in all colleges. • Resource surveysResource surveys• Information literacy continuumInformation literacy continuum• Forming a research question worksheet, Forming a research question worksheet,

assignment and brochures.assignment and brochures.• Annotated Bibliography assignment and Annotated Bibliography assignment and

brochure.brochure.• Website evaluation assignment and web Website evaluation assignment and web

resources.resources.

FGCU IDS 2006

Pre/Post test Pre/Post test instrumentinstrument

1. Have you had the BLT (Basic Library training) here at FGCU?1. Have you had the BLT (Basic Library training) here at FGCU?Yes, I did it onlineYes, I did it onlineI had the training as part of my ________________ class.I had the training as part of my ________________ class.No, I have not done the training, but feel comfortable with No, I have not done the training, but feel comfortable with

basic library usebasic library useNo, I have not done the training, and am unsure of how to use No, I have not done the training, and am unsure of how to use

the basic library resourcesthe basic library resources

2. How would you rate your information literacy skills in the 2. How would you rate your information literacy skills in the following areas?following areas?a. Use of FGCU library catalog online: a. Use of FGCU library catalog online: Barely adequate Barely adequate FairFair GoodGood Very Good OutstandingVery Good Outstandingb. Use of FGCU Electronic resources:b. Use of FGCU Electronic resources:Barely adequate Barely adequate FairFair GoodGood Very Good OutstandingVery Good Outstanding

3. In relation to the FGCU library, what is an “Online Database”? 3. In relation to the FGCU library, what is an “Online Database”?

4. What makes the online databases that FGCU has different from 4. What makes the online databases that FGCU has different from “Google” or other similar search engines?“Google” or other similar search engines?

FGCU IDS 2006

5. Do you know how many databases the library has access 5. Do you know how many databases the library has access to?to?

__1-10 __10-50 __50-100 __100-150 __150-200 __ >200__1-10 __10-50 __50-100 __100-150 __150-200 __ >200 __I have no idea__I have no idea

6. Explain the major differences between databases like 6. Explain the major differences between databases like EbscoHost, Proquest and Lexis-Nexis versus Cambridge EbscoHost, Proquest and Lexis-Nexis versus Cambridge Scientific Abstracts and PubMed?Scientific Abstracts and PubMed?

7. What is the difference between a “full-text” database, a 7. What is the difference between a “full-text” database, a

citation only database and a citation/abstract database? citation only database and a citation/abstract database?

8. How might you choose and/or find which databases to 8. How might you choose and/or find which databases to use? use?

9. What can you do if your search results in a citation and 9. What can you do if your search results in a citation and abstract without full text?abstract without full text?

Pre/Post test instrument Pre/Post test instrument (con’t.)(con’t.)

FGCU IDS 2006

9. If your search is not yielding appropriate results, 9. If your search is not yielding appropriate results, what resources or techniques might you use to what resources or techniques might you use to refine your search?refine your search?

10. Do you know how to request an interlibrary 10. Do you know how to request an interlibrary loan?loan?YES SOMEWHAT NOT REALLYYES SOMEWHAT NOT REALLY

12. What did you think your information literacy is?12. What did you think your information literacy is?Barely adequateBarely adequateFairFairGoodGoodVery GoodVery GoodOutstandingOutstanding

Pre/Post test instrument Pre/Post test instrument (con’t.)(con’t.)

FGCU IDS 2006

Results of pre-test survey Results of pre-test survey (Spr. 06 IDS 3303)(Spr. 06 IDS 3303)

• Approx. 33% have had BLTApprox. 33% have had BLT• Most rate skills good or betterMost rate skills good or better• Fewer are familiar with difference Fewer are familiar with difference

between Google and library resourcesbetween Google and library resources• How to request an ILL is a skill of about How to request an ILL is a skill of about

50%50%• Use of library webpages is less than 5 Use of library webpages is less than 5

times totaltimes total

FGCU IDS 2006

Student Perceptions of Info Student Perceptions of Info Lit skillsLit skills

Findings show that the same trend appears each term:Findings show that the same trend appears each term:• Students recognize greater literacy after training session, Students recognize greater literacy after training session,

however however • They perceive greater a competency than is demonstrated They perceive greater a competency than is demonstrated

through graded assignments and questionnaires. through graded assignments and questionnaires. • (Demers and Malanfant, 2004)(Demers and Malanfant, 2004)

FGCU IDS 2006

IDS 3303 Issues in Science IDS 3303 Issues in Science and Technologyand Technologyhttp://ruby.fgcu.edu/courses/ndemers/10363/index.htm

DATE TOPIC DUE Jan. 14 Introductions Jan 16 Defining Science / Issues chosen List of 5 issues Jan 21 MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY NO CLASSES Jan 23 Computer tutorial- advanced library

research Meet in BHG 205 for class

Jan 28 Discuss individual projects in groups. Jan 30 Discussion Chapters 1 & 2 Research Plan Worksheets Feb 4 Independent topics chosen. Feb 6 Discussion Chapter 3, 4 & 5 Topic titles- very specific Feb 11 Discussion Chapter 6 & 7 Essay regarding Science and

Technology Feb 13 Discuss timelines/assignments Sign up for Presentations Feb 18 Discussion, Chapter 8 & 9 Pro/Con Websites

Evaluation Feb 20 Discussion of timeline Feb 25 Presentations discussed/groups

formed Timeline

Feb 27 Final Preparation for presentations Library work Mar 4- Apr 3 Independent presentations and

discussion* Annotated bibliography

Mar 27 Independent presentations and discussion*

First version of individual projects (bring 2 copies)

Apr 3 Independent presentations and discussion*

Peer review

Apr 8 Set up group debates Apr 10- 22 Group Debate Summaries of Presentations

Apr 24 & 29 Class summary and discussion Written reports May 1 Portfolio Portfolio

Number of hits to IDS 3303 website on each date of semester0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70

1/141/181/221/261/302/32/7

2/112/152/192/232/273/33/7

3/113/153/193/233/273/314/44/8

4/124/16

Date of semester

number of hits to page

List due (1/16)

Research plan worksheets (1/30)

Topic titles (2/6) Essay (2/12)Website Evaluation (2/18)

Timeline (2/25)

Annotated bibliography (3/4)

URL provided to Biology list serve (4/4)

First copy of paper due (3/27)Peer review due (4/3)

Summaries due (4/10)

(McKnight and Demers, 2003)

FGCU IDS 2006

Brochures developed Brochures developed

Building your Timeline

FGCU IDS 2006

Self-report Resource SurveySelf-report Resource Survey

How many times LAST term did you use your favorite search engine?

Jan 2006Jan 2006

How many times THIS term did you use your favorite search engine?

March 2006March 2006

# of students

1414221111221111112211

>14>141414111110107766554433NoneNone

44 55 66 77 >14>14

33 22 22 44 88# of students

Frequency

Frequency

FGCU IDS 2006

Self-report Resource Self-report Resource SurveySurvey

# of studentsFrequency

How many times LAST term did you ask for help from the Reference Desk?

None 1 2 3 4 613 5 2 2 3 1

None

1 2 3 4 5 6

2 6 4 2 2 2 1

Frequency# of students

How many times THIS term did you ask for help from the Reference Desk?

FGCU IDS 2006

Self-report Resource Self-report Resource SurveySurvey

Frequency

How many times LAST term did you use electronic resources from the Library?

Frequency# of students

How many times THIS term did you use electronic resources from the Library?

None

1 2 3 4 6 7 8 10

12

5 4 4 3 1 3 1 2 1 1

4 5 6 7 10 >144 4 1 3 1 6

# of students

FGCU IDS 2006

Self-report Resource Self-report Resource SurveySurvey

None

1 3 6 10 >14

17 1 3 1 2 2

How many times LAST term did you use the Library Catalog?

1 3 4 5 6 7 >14

3 2 2 3 2 2 4

How many times THIS term did you use the Library Catalog?

Frequency

# of students

Frequency# of students

FGCU IDS 2006

Information Literacy Information Literacy ContinuumContinuum

FGCU IDS 2006

Progress and Future Progress and Future DirectionsDirections

• Continue with ALT and assessments in Continue with ALT and assessments in coursescourses

• Expand collaboration to include other Expand collaboration to include other classes and assignmentsclasses and assignments

• Pursue funding to support faculty in Pursue funding to support faculty in delivering and such a labor intensive delivering and such a labor intensive course curriculum course curriculum

• Create rubrics and assessments that Create rubrics and assessments that might be as effective, but less time might be as effective, but less time intensive for gradersintensive for graders

FGCU IDS 2006

Please help expand this Please help expand this efforteffort

• Fill out our surveyFill out our survey• Collaborate on development and Collaborate on development and

implementation of goals and outcomes implementation of goals and outcomes assessmentsassessments

• Offer suggestions and comments on ways Offer suggestions and comments on ways to further improve students at FGCU’s to further improve students at FGCU’s information literacyinformation literacy

FGCU IDS 2006

ReferencesReferences"Information Literacy Competency Standards for Higher "Information Literacy Competency Standards for Higher

Education." American Library Association. 2005.Education." American Library Association. 2005.http://http://www.ala.org/acrl/ilcomstan.htmlwww.ala.org/acrl/ilcomstan.html (Accessed 22 (Accessed 22 Mar, 2006) Mar, 2006)

Demers, N.E.Demers, N.E. and Malenfant, C. (2004) Collaboration and Malenfant, C. (2004) Collaboration for Point-of-Need Library Instruction for Point-of-Need Library Instruction Reference Reference Services Review Services Review 32:3:264-27332:3:264-273

McKnight, R and McKnight, R and Demers, N.E.Demers, N.E. (2003) Evaluating (2003) Evaluating Course Website Utilization By Students Using Web Course Website Utilization By Students Using Web Tracking Software: A Constructivist Approach. Tracking Software: A Constructivist Approach. International Journal of E-Learning International Journal of E-Learning 2:3:13-172:3:13-17