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Full-Text Articles in Library and Information Science

Building A Seamless Environment For Assessment Of Information Literacy: Libraries, Student Affairs, And Learning Outside The Classroom, Scott Walter Mar 2010

Building A Seamless Environment For Assessment Of Information Literacy: Libraries, Student Affairs, And Learning Outside The Classroom, Scott Walter

Communications in Information Literacy

Assessment has been a topic of interest in higher education for decades, with its recent growth rooted in a number of scholarly traditions, as well as the broader interest in "accountability" that has been characteristic of American education since the 1980s. Many previous studies have demonstrated that the literature of assessment in higher education is a rich resource for those wishing to identify effective approaches to the assessment of information literacy. This piece invites readers to pay attention to the lessons taught by faculty development experts as well as by scholars of the science of teaching and learning, but also …


Using Cognitive Interviews And Student Response Processes To Validate An Interpretive Argument For The Ets Iskills™ Assessment, Eric Snow, Irvin Katz Mar 2010

Using Cognitive Interviews And Student Response Processes To Validate An Interpretive Argument For The Ets Iskills™ Assessment, Eric Snow, Irvin Katz

Communications in Information Literacy

Evaluating the trustworthiness of Internet-based or other digital information has become an essential 21st century skill. The iSkills™ assessment, from Educational Testing Service (ETS), purports to measure such digital evaluation skills, along with other digital literacy skills. In this work, we use an argument-based approach to assessment validation to investigate the extent to which iSkills test scores can support inferences about the ability of college students to evaluate information in a digital environment. Eighty-eight undergraduates responded to iSkills assessment tasks and to more open-ended "naturalistic" tasks. These naturalistic tasks were designed to be like homework assignments that incorporate the critical …


The Ile Project: A Scalable Option For Customized Information Literacy Instruction And Assessment, Steve Borrelli, Corey M. Johnson, Lara A. Cummings Mar 2010

The Ile Project: A Scalable Option For Customized Information Literacy Instruction And Assessment, Steve Borrelli, Corey M. Johnson, Lara A. Cummings

Communications in Information Literacy

With the vast amount of information available today, information literacy (IL) education is a critical component of undergraduate education necessary to prepare students for tomorrow's world. Instructors want students to demonstrate critical thinking skills and are often disappointed with student submissions resulting from undeveloped IL skills. Library Instruction programs are often tasked with addressing this educational need and often struggle to find a scalable method to provide IL instruction to the student body. The Information Literacy Education (ILE) Project is an asynchronous learning environment tailored to deliver instruction and assessment. Posited as a customizable option to present IL instruction, this …


Information Literacy Rubrics Within The Disciplines, Britt A. Fagerheim, Flora G. Shrode Mar 2010

Information Literacy Rubrics Within The Disciplines, Britt A. Fagerheim, Flora G. Shrode

Communications in Information Literacy

This paper reports the results of a pilot project in which the authors developed rubrics for assessing information literacy in the disciplines and examined whether rubrics are a feasible and effective method for librarians to assess their students' information literacy skills. We developed rubrics for capstone classes in chemistry and psychology based on benchmarks appropriate for each major. We then used the rubrics to assess the research and information literacy skills the students displayed in their papers or projects.


Mixing And Matching: Assessing Information Literacy, Carol Mcculley Mar 2010

Mixing And Matching: Assessing Information Literacy, Carol Mcculley

Communications in Information Literacy

Authentic assessment of student learning outcomes is much in demand. This paper reviews a variety of assessment methods that measure cognitive, behavioral, and affective levels of learning that can be used to design library class instruction and assessments to improve student learning and teaching of information literacy concepts. The intentional use of these methods to assess undergraduate student learning in many disciplines through working collaboratively with faculty and integrating the assessments in a learner-centered environment is discussed.


Using Blackboard To Deliver Library Research Skills Assessment: A Case Study, Maura A. Smale, Mariana Regalado Mar 2010

Using Blackboard To Deliver Library Research Skills Assessment: A Case Study, Maura A. Smale, Mariana Regalado

Communications in Information Literacy

Like other college and university departments, academic libraries are increasingly expected to assess their services and facilities. This article describes an initial step in the development of a comprehensive assessment program for library instruction in the Brooklyn College Library. A pre- and post-quiz were developed based on the curriculum for a required library session in an introductory English composition course. The quizzes were designed to establish a baseline for student knowledge of information literacy as well as measure the effect of library instruction on student learning. We also sought to evaluate the suitability of the Blackboard learning management system for …


Using Assessment Data To Inform Library Instruction For First Year Students, Julie Gilbert Mar 2010

Using Assessment Data To Inform Library Instruction For First Year Students, Julie Gilbert

Communications in Information Literacy

Seeking ways to develop information literacy skills among first year college students, librarians at our institution developed a pilot program to measure the effects of a multiple library instruction session module on students' research skills in the first semester. The pilot program incorporates a substantial assessment model consisting of a pretest, posttest, and a citation analysis of final papers. Results demonstrate that students who had multiple library instruction sessions during the first semester report higher levels of confidence and greater use of library resources than students who had only a single instruction session.


A Twenty Year Path: Learning About Assessment; Learning From Assessment, Debra L. Gilchrist Mar 2010

A Twenty Year Path: Learning About Assessment; Learning From Assessment, Debra L. Gilchrist

Communications in Information Literacy

This article reviews the development of educational assessment from the 1970's to the present, including discussions of basic working definitions and models of assessment in information literacy. It reflects on what librarians have learned from assessment and about assessment, and how this information is being used to improve current and future assessment offerings.


Teaching Matters: The State Of Information Literacy Assessment And The Way Forward, Patrick P. Ragains, Janelle M. Zauha Mar 2010

Teaching Matters: The State Of Information Literacy Assessment And The Way Forward, Patrick P. Ragains, Janelle M. Zauha

Communications in Information Literacy

No abstract provided.


Writing Information Literacy Assessment Plans: A Guide To Best Practice, Megan Oakleaf Mar 2010

Writing Information Literacy Assessment Plans: A Guide To Best Practice, Megan Oakleaf

Communications in Information Literacy

Academic librarians throughout higher education add value to the teaching and learning missions of their institutions though information literacy instruction. To demonstrate the full impact of librarians on students in higher education, librarians need comprehensive information literacy assessment plans, composed of instructional program-level and outcome-level components, that summarize the purpose of information literacy assessment, emphasize the theoretical basis of their assessment efforts, articulate specific information literacy goals and outcomes, describe the major assessment methods and tools used to capture evidence of student learning, report assessment results, and highlight improvements made as a consequence of learning assessment.


Exploring Wikis In A Library Credit Course, Vivien Elizabeth Zazzau Nov 2009

Exploring Wikis In A Library Credit Course, Vivien Elizabeth Zazzau

Communications in Information Literacy

Wiki is a type of software (also known as social software) that enables its users to create a website with only a minor knowledge of html. Many universities, schools, businesses, and libraries are currently using wiki software to great effect. Even so, there is very little literature addressing the use of wiki software in the university library instruction classroom. This report will focus on the use of wiki software in a university library instruction classroom and consider its feasibility as a tool for teaching critical thinking through team-based learning.


Bringing Librarianship Back Home: Information Literacy As A Return To Method, Kimberly A. Jones Nov 2009

Bringing Librarianship Back Home: Information Literacy As A Return To Method, Kimberly A. Jones

Communications in Information Literacy

Information literacy (IL) has arisen as a response to the reification of information. As information has been commodified, it has lost its fluidity as a term and an idea. Librarianship, as a result, has lost its footing, its philosophy. IL seeks to restore method to librarianship and, as a result, return subjectivity to information.


Teaching Matters: U.S. Government Information And Information Literacy: A Time-Sensitive Issue For Our Profession, Patrick P. Ragains Nov 2009

Teaching Matters: U.S. Government Information And Information Literacy: A Time-Sensitive Issue For Our Profession, Patrick P. Ragains

Communications in Information Literacy

No abstract provided.


Conference Report: 5th Annual Georgia Conference On Information Literacy, Rebecca Ziegler, Mark Lewis Richardson Nov 2009

Conference Report: 5th Annual Georgia Conference On Information Literacy, Rebecca Ziegler, Mark Lewis Richardson

Communications in Information Literacy

The 5th annual Georgia Conference on Information Literacy took place in Savannah, Georgia on October 3-4, 2008. Since its inception, this conference has drawn participants from across the United States and even a few from abroad. Jointly sponsored by the Zach S. Henderson Library, the Department of Writing and Linguistics, the College of Education, and the Center for Continuing Education at Georgia Southern University, the conference offers both theoretical and practical discussions of the complex issues involved in teaching students how to find, interpret and use information in emerging electronic technologies against the backdrop of one of America's loveliest cities.


Political Literacy As Information Literacy, Ross Cory Alexander Nov 2009

Political Literacy As Information Literacy, Ross Cory Alexander

Communications in Information Literacy

This paper contends that political literacy and information literacy are compatible concepts that are inextricably linked and should therefore be taught and stressed simultaneously to students in the classroom. Improving the information literacy and political literacy skills of students will allow them to not only perform better academically, but also empower them to become better citizens who form opinions and make decisions based on appropriate and quality information.


Surveying Libraries To Identify Best Practices For A Menu Approach For Library Instruction Requests, Candice Benjes-Small, Jennifer L. Dorner, Robert Schroeder Nov 2009

Surveying Libraries To Identify Best Practices For A Menu Approach For Library Instruction Requests, Candice Benjes-Small, Jennifer L. Dorner, Robert Schroeder

Communications in Information Literacy

A challenging situation has developed in regards to library instruction. With increases in both the quantity of information and the variety of information technologies being made available to researchers, the information literacy landscape is getting more complex. Simultaneously, the time allotted for library instruction is remaining essentially the same. In order to market the breadth of content available for library instruction sessions and to promote collaboration between librarians and teaching faculty in order to create optimal instruction sessions an 'a la carte menu' approach to library instruction requests was adopted by Radford University in 2004. Since the late 1990s a …


Information Literacy In Writing Tutor Training At A Liberal Arts College, Kelly Cannon, Jennifer Jarson Nov 2009

Information Literacy In Writing Tutor Training At A Liberal Arts College, Kelly Cannon, Jennifer Jarson

Communications in Information Literacy

Academic librarians have long understood the importance of, and argued for, the curricular integration of information literacy. The literature shows strong evidence of librarians collaborating with faculty, peer tutors, and other on-campus constituencies in an effort to facilitate discussion and acquisition of information literacy skills and concepts. The literature points to a likely collaboration, that of libraries and writing centers, in light of their corresponding missions and endeavors. This paper details how two academic librarians partnered with teaching faculty who oversee the campus writing center to infuse information literacy skills and concepts into the training of writing tutors. The authors …


Advancing The Promotion Of Information Literacy Through Peer-Led Learning, Tamsin Bolton, Tina Pugliese, Jill Singleton-Jackson Nov 2009

Advancing The Promotion Of Information Literacy Through Peer-Led Learning, Tamsin Bolton, Tina Pugliese, Jill Singleton-Jackson

Communications in Information Literacy

Two new courses at the University of Windsor are opening the door to thinking about information literacy and curricular integration in very different ways. The courses, Ways of Knowing and Mentorship & Learning, were originally designed to help with retention and transition issues. They were also founded on the concept of peer-led learning at the university level. In this model students are able to connect with their peers in an organic way that is not always possible with faculty and librarians. It did not take long to see the potential in using peer mentors as potential conduits in the transfer …


An Evaluation Of An Upper-Division, General Education Information Literacy Program, Elizabeth Spackman Hopkins, Suzanne Julian Apr 2009

An Evaluation Of An Upper-Division, General Education Information Literacy Program, Elizabeth Spackman Hopkins, Suzanne Julian

Communications in Information Literacy

The Advanced Writing library instruction program at Brigham Young University's Harold B. Lee Library (HBLL) is intended to teach junior-level students advanced information literacy and research skills. Student participation in the program is required in each of six junior-level English courses. Anecdotal feedback from librarians and students identified problems with the program; therefore, a qualitative evaluation of the program was conducted with the objective of identifying problems and possible solutions. The evaluation included a student survey and focus groups with students, librarians, and English faculty. In this paper, we describe the HBLL Advanced Writing (AW) instruction program, identify the problems …


Pedagogical Considerations In Developing An Online Tutorial In Information Literacy., Therese Skagen, Maria Carme Torras, Solveig M. L. Kavli, Susanne Mikki, Sissel Hafstad, Irene Hunskår Apr 2009

Pedagogical Considerations In Developing An Online Tutorial In Information Literacy., Therese Skagen, Maria Carme Torras, Solveig M. L. Kavli, Susanne Mikki, Sissel Hafstad, Irene Hunskår

Communications in Information Literacy

The article discusses the pedagogical background on which the design of the online tutorial Søk & Skriv ('Search and Write') is based. The tutorial Søk & Skriv is specially designed for distance learning students, but can also be used by students on campus. Søk & Skriv aims at increasing students' information and digital literacy with the ultimate goal of empowering them to gradually become legitimate members of the academic community, as well as lifelong learners. Further, the tutorial sets out to make a contribution to the pedagogical development of user education at the academic library. The article shows how a …


The Importance Of A Philosophy Of Teaching Statement To The Teacher/Librarian, Janelle M. Zauha Apr 2009

The Importance Of A Philosophy Of Teaching Statement To The Teacher/Librarian, Janelle M. Zauha

Communications in Information Literacy

Teaching Matters: Developing as a Teacher/Librarian Statements of teaching philosophy are most commonly associated with regular teaching faculty outside the library. In this column we will explore why librarians should also voice their philosophy of teaching, how it can benefit their students, themselves, and their institution. We'll touch on resources for conceptualizing, writing, and using statements as well.


Incorporating Vendor-Created Training Into Information Literacy Instruction: A Case Study, Carissa Holler Apr 2009

Incorporating Vendor-Created Training Into Information Literacy Instruction: A Case Study, Carissa Holler

Communications in Information Literacy

In Fall 2007, the Library and the Department of Finance at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign collaborated to offer a course that would not only assist students in achieving vendor-sponsored certification in the use of a fundamental financial resource, but would also enhance the students' educational experience by incorporating elements of information literacy instruction. This paper profiles the librarian-instructor's process of creating and conducting the course with the vendor's certification program embedded therein. Outcomes of the course, insights gained from the experience, and recommendations for other librarian-instructors are also discussed.


Why Peer Review?, Stewart Brower Apr 2009

Why Peer Review?, Stewart Brower

Communications in Information Literacy

No abstract provided.


First-Year Writing Teachers, Perceptions Of Students' Information Literacy Competencies, And A Call For A Collaborative Approach, Elizabeth Joy Birmingham, Luc Chinwongs, Molly Flaspohler, Carly Hearn, Danielle Kvanvig, Ronda Portmann Oct 2008

First-Year Writing Teachers, Perceptions Of Students' Information Literacy Competencies, And A Call For A Collaborative Approach, Elizabeth Joy Birmingham, Luc Chinwongs, Molly Flaspohler, Carly Hearn, Danielle Kvanvig, Ronda Portmann

Communications in Information Literacy

Despite the shared work of teaching research and writing, research librarians and compositionists (writing teachers) have not engaged regularly in dialogue about how they might collaborate in this endeavor. This project surveyed English teachers at three institutions, a private liberal arts college, a public liberal arts college, and a land grant university, concerning their perceptions of their students' information literacy skills, as well as about the variety of strategies they used to introduce and reinforce information literacy competency in their classrooms. These strategies ranged from assigning a research project with little classroom or library support, to using up to ten …


Development And Evolution Of An Information Literacy Course For A Doctor Of Chiropractic Program, Phyllis June Harvey, Karen Jo Goodell Oct 2008

Development And Evolution Of An Information Literacy Course For A Doctor Of Chiropractic Program, Phyllis June Harvey, Karen Jo Goodell

Communications in Information Literacy

The authors report on the development and evolution of a required one-credit course in information literacy for a doctor of chiropractic program. Our experience can serve as a model for planning and designing information literacy courses for doctor of chiropractic and other graduate health sciences programs.


The Economics Of Open Access, Christopher V. Hollister Oct 2008

The Economics Of Open Access, Christopher V. Hollister

Communications in Information Literacy

No abstract provided.


Teaching Matters: Developing As A Teacher/Librarian. Web 2.0: Opportunities For Information Literacy Instruction, Patrick P. Ragains Oct 2008

Teaching Matters: Developing As A Teacher/Librarian. Web 2.0: Opportunities For Information Literacy Instruction, Patrick P. Ragains

Communications in Information Literacy

No abstract provided.


Teaching Near The Edge Of Chaos: Dynamic Systems, Student Choices And Library Research, Robert Hautala, Bryan Miyagishima Oct 2008

Teaching Near The Edge Of Chaos: Dynamic Systems, Student Choices And Library Research, Robert Hautala, Bryan Miyagishima

Communications in Information Literacy

This article is an investigation of the Dynamic Systems theory and its application to instruction and the learning process. Curricular suggestions are provided from the authors' collaborative uses of library instruction within university academic courses. These suggestions address the use of environmental (classroom) and task manipulations to provide students with choices within activities related to conducting literature reviews. A Four-Step Teaching Model, based on the "Ecological Task Analysis Model" (Davis and Burton, 1991), is also outlined, to give readers a step-by-step procedure to use when developing classroom curricula and delivery plans.


Information Literacy Education In The Uk: Reflections On Perspectives And Practical Approaches Of Curricular Integration, Susie Andretta, Alison Pope, Geoff Walton Oct 2008

Information Literacy Education In The Uk: Reflections On Perspectives And Practical Approaches Of Curricular Integration, Susie Andretta, Alison Pope, Geoff Walton

Communications in Information Literacy

This paper has two main aims, to present the current position of information literacy education in UK-based academic institutions and to propose a strategy that ensures the integration of this phenomenon in learning and teaching institutional practices. The first part of the paper offers an insight into the perceptions of information literacy by exploring four distinct perspectives, including the institutional angle and the views associated with faculty staff, library staff and students. What transpires from the findings is that information literacy from an institutional perspective is dominated by the need to measure information skills within the context of information as …


Training College Students In Information Literacy 2006-2007 Edition [Review], Karen Bronshteyn Dec 2007

Training College Students In Information Literacy 2006-2007 Edition [Review], Karen Bronshteyn

Communications in Information Literacy

No abstract provided.