Information Literacy
Information literacy is the ability to effectively navigate the universe of information. Specifically, an information literate person can:
- recognize an information need select, locate and access appropriate materials from a variety of choices and formats evaluate, manage and apply information
- demonstrate an understanding of the legal, social and ethical aspects of information use
Ideally, information literacy instruction is a collaborative effort among all college faculty. Librarians are happy to work with classroom faculty to provide a variety of course-integrated instruction that addresses the goals of information literacy.
Course-Related Instruction
Librarians and classroom faculty can work together in complementary ways to enhance student learning. Librarians can provide course-integrated, assignment-appropriate instruction in a variety of information literacy topics, such as:
How to select the best databases and indexes How to develop good search strategies How to create an annotated bibliography
How to locate the most relevant information
Librarians can also prepare information resources that can augment classroom instruction. Some of the materials include:
Annotated bibliographies of reference sources for specific courses Webliographies of authoritative Internet sources for specific courses Lists of library journal holdings relevant to specific courses
Print or web-based research guides to the most appropriate information resources for specific courses
Classroom faculty may confer with a consulting librarian while creating assignments to ensure that the most appropriate materials are made available to students.
Library Lab Appointments
Library labs are one-on-one, in-depth research appointments that students conduct with librarians. A librarian will prepare research strategies and suggestions for resources prior to the appointment, and then meet with the student to discuss the research process. Students may sign-up through an electronic form or at the Reference Desk.
Reference Consultations
Librarians are available at the reference desk for on-demand assistance, for library lab appointments, and for one-on-one research consultation with teaching faculty. Refer to the consulting librarians page for a list of librarians associated with the various disciplines.
