Information Literacy Commons^™

From Syndication To Misinformation: How Undergraduate Students Engage With And Evaluate Digital News, Cara Evanson, Jayme Sponsel

Communications in Information Literacy

To determine how undergraduate students engage with digital news, researchers at Davidson College surveyed 511 incoming first-year students on their news consumption habits and asked them to evaluate screenshots of news stories. The researchers found that a high percentage of the students were accessing news through social media platforms, and that syndication and fake URLs posed challenges for them in making accurate evaluations. Additionally, students indicated they would share a tweet containing an impostor URL at higher rates than they would share the other news story examples. The findings have implications for how educators teach students to evaluate misinformation.

Reddit As An Analogy For Scholarly Publishing And The Constructed, Contextual Nature Of Authority, Anna M. White

Communications in Information Literacy

This paper provides an overview of how the social news site Reddit can be used as an example of the ACRL Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education threshold concept “Authority is Constructed and Contextual.” It posits that the construction and context of authority in the sense of Wilson’s concept of cognitive authority is in the inherent structure of Reddit and that students can benefit from an example that easily links their personal and academic lives—a connection not always made when discussing authority in peer-reviewed publications or databases.

Through The Looking Glass: Viewing First-Year Composition Through The Lens Of Information Literacy, Alexandria Chisholm, Brett Spencer

Communications in Information Literacy

This paper presents a case study of how librarians can situate themselves as pedagogical partners by bringing their unique information literacy perspective and expertise to the programmatic assessment process. This report resulted from the Thun Library and the Penn State Berks Composition Program's collaboration to assess the institution’s first-year composition (FYC) course. From previous programmatic assessments of their students’ work, the faculty had a sense that students struggled with source use in their rhetoric but found it difficult to pinpoint students’ exact source issues. By adapting a rubric theoretically-grounded in the ACRL Framework to deconstruct the concept of source use …

Review Of Transforming Information Literacy Instruction: Threshold Concepts In Theory And Practice, Jane Hammons

Communications in Information Literacy

No abstract provided.

Conceptual And Procedural Knowledge: A Framework For Analyzing Point-Of-Need Information Literacy Instruction, Amy Vanscoy

Communications in Information Literacy

The information literacy instruction (ILI) that occurs during a spontaneous information interaction, such as at the reference desk, is not clearly defined and not extensively researched. It differs, however, from classroom ILI, with its lesson plans, carefully considered learning outcomes, and planned learning activities. This paper uses the framework of conceptual and procedural knowledge, drawn from education research, to analyze point-of-need ILI. Digital reference transcripts were analyzed using this framework, and examples of ILI from the transcripts were categorized to make sense of how conceptual and procedural knowledge manifest in point-of-need ILI. This conceptual/procedural focus acknowledges the unique context of …

Initial Development Of The Perception Of Information Literacy Scale (Pils), Matthew Doyle, Britt Foster, Mariya A. Yukhymenko-Lescroart

Communications in Information Literacy

The ACRL Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education has provided academic librarians a guiding document to facilitate the development of information literacy skills in students. Despite widespread adoption of the Framework in academic libraries, a lack of valid and reliable Framework-based scales for assessing students’ knowledge practices and dispositions hinders further understanding of student information literacy. The current article describes the development and testing of the Perception of Information Literacy Scale (PILS). The participants in this study were 443 graduate students. The resulting scale is made up of 36 items that measure seven distinct constructs of information literacy. …

Research Models, Primo, & The First Year Experience, Kimberly Willson-St. Clair

Library Faculty and Staff Publications and Presentations

Research can be daunting for freshman who are challenged to gather scholarly information beyond Google for their research projects. By blending two research models, ASE (Analyze, Search, Evaluate) with BEAM (Background, Exhibit, Argument, and Method), students can think critically about their topics and strategically search PRIMO [Library catalog] for relevant results. This approach addresses several ACRL Framework threshold concepts, especially research as strategic exploration and scholarship as conversation. This presentation shows how effective Primo can be for first year experience students in regards to discovering relevant scholarly resources, and discovering other pertinent, authoritative resources.

Supporting Digital Problem Solving, Tyler Frank

Presentations and Publications

This presentation draws from findings based on a three-year research project with the goal of achieving greater digital equity for adult learners in libraries. This project addresses digital problem solving, a unique task adults face in today’s age of ubiquitous technology use. Marginalized and under-resourced digital users face challenges of access not only to high-speed Internet but also to getting the support they need for their digital learning and problem solving. Libraries are uniquely positioned to support these learners. However, this calls for techniques and tools to assist digital users in accomplishing their goals as they continue to develop their …

Advancing Digital Equity In Public Libraries: Assessing Library Patrons’ Problem Solving In Technology Rich Environments, Gloria Jacobs

Presentations and Publications

This mixed methods research examined the digital problem solving processes of vulnerable adults within the community setting of a public library. Data were collected from approximately 450 library users who completed a library survey, a subset who completed PIAACs Problem Solving in Technology Rich Environments (PSTRE) assessment, and a smaller subset who participated in an observation protocol. Quantitative analysis revealed that library website use was a strong predictor of PSTRE scores. Qualitative analysis showed that digital problem solving needs to be seen as a set of contexts and events that are dynamic across different situations. In order to respond to …

Documenting Digital Problem Solving: Qualitative Results Strategies And Approaches For Digital Problem Solving, Jill Castek, Gloria Jacobs, Cindy Gibbon, Tyler Frank, Amy Honisett, Judy Anderson

Data

This document shares qualitative analysis and findings from a 3 year research effort focused on digital problem solving. Key concepts emerging from the analysis are operationally defined. The document describes how individuals engaged in digital problem solving and describes their cognitive and affective strategies. The analysis reveals the vital role of examining digital problem solving through a diversity of contexts. Different contexts require the use of a range of approaches applied in different ways for different purposes. Data suggest that the number, frequency, and complexity of contexts in which an individual is familar plays an important role in how individuals …

Analyzing And Interpreting Data From Piaac’S Problem Solving In Technology Rich Environments (Pstre) Assessment And Library Use Survey: Quantitative Results, Jill Castek, Gloria Jacobs, Cindy Gibbon, Tyler Frank, Amy Honisett, Judy Anderson

Data

This document contains an explanation of the quantitative analysis conducted using data from a researcher-designed library use survey and PIAAC's PSTRE survey accessed through OECD's Education and Skills Online portal. Data were collected in two phases and are presented using descriptive statistics and through a latent class analysis. The latent class analysis allowed for the examination of the relationship between library activities, library website use, and PSTRE scores. Results indicated that library website use is strong predictor of higher PSTRE scores and competency in digital problem solving.

Defining Digital Problem Solving, Jill Castek, Gloria Jacobs, Cindy Gibbon, Tyler Frank, Amy Honisett, Judy Anderson

Digital Problem Solving Toolkit

This document introduces the definition of digital problem solving that emerged from a three year long research project. Digital problem solving is described as being related to, but unique from, digital literacies and basic digital skills. Specifically, digital problem solving involves the use of the skills, strategies, and approaches (including mindsets) needed to navigate online in everyday contexts, including the library, and use novel resources, tools, and interfaces in efficient and flexible ways to accomplish personal and professional goals. Authors describe how the definition of digital problem solving was developed and applications within libraries, Adult Education, and Lifelong Learning.

Observing Digital Problem Solving Checklist, Jill Castek, Gloria Jacobs, Cindy Gibbon, Tyler Frank, Amy Honisett, Judy Anderson

Digital Problem Solving Toolkit

This adaptable tool was developed from research findings from a 3 year research study exploring digital problem solving. It is intended to be used by a librarian/staff/volunteer during an in-person interview and observation context. It is designed to better understand how to shape interactions with a library user when they come into the library for assistance that requires gathering, exploring, and making sense of online resources. The tool can be used to support individual or small group interactions. It contains a series of questions that provide insight into the knowledge and experiences of the library user as well as the …

Digital Problem Solving: Score Report, Jill Castek, Gloria Jacobs, Cindy Gibbon, Tyler Frank, Amy Honisett, Judy Anderson

Digital Problem Solving Toolkit

This test tries to measure how well you use technology to solve problems. The digital tools in the test might not look familiar. As you get more practice meeting different goals using technology, these tasks will become easier to do.

Executive Summary, Jill Castek, Gloria Jacobs, Cindy Gibbon, Tyler Frank, Amy Honisett, Judy Anderson

Presentations and Publications

The Advancing Digital Equity in Public Libraries: Assessing Library Patrons’ Problem Solving in Technology Rich Environments research project was supported by a National Leadership Grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) grant. It was conducted over the course of 3 years in cooperation with the Multnomah County Library in Portland, Oregon. The research was guided by a national advisory group made up of scholars and practitioners in the fields of adult education, digital literacies, online reading and research, and library services.

Digital Problem Solving: The Literacies Of Navigating Life In The Digital Age, Gloria Jacobs, Jill Castek

Presentations and Publications

Digital problem solving reflects an individual’s ability to navigate and use multiple digital resources in order to accomplish goals across domains including work, personal interests, educational pursuits, social or professional networking, civic participation, and for future uses not yet conceptualized. To accomplish these goals, individuals need to enact everyday literacies (Knobel, 1999) that include: “asking questions, constructing meaning from [information and] data, generating [and sharing] creative solutions, and reflecting on how to improve these solutions for different contexts” (Manderino & Castek, 2016, p. 79). As individuals move through daily lives, they are constantly traversing disciplines as they collect information and …

Project Summary, Jill Castek, Gloria Jacobs, Cindy Gibbon, Tyler Frank, Amy Honisett, Judy Anderson

Presentations and Publications

Summary of the project, Advancing Digital Equity in Public Libraries: Assessing Library Patrons’ Problem Solving in Technology Rich Environments.

The purpose of the research was to examine and understand the digital problem solving processes of vulnerable adults.

Blueprint For Designing Digital Problem Solving Tasks, Jill Castek, Cindy Gibbon, Gloria Jacobs, Tyler Frank, Amy Honisett, Judy Anderson

Digital Problem Solving Toolkit

This document explains how the research team developed tasks and an observational protocol that allowed for the examination of individuals’ digital problem solving. These tasks, and the metacognitive scaffolding prompts and protocol associate dwith them, were developed and refined with the Multnomah County Library’s website resources in mind. Other libraries can adapt these tasks and protocol or develop a related observational protocol inspired by the design principles offered. This document suggest what libraries can do to support digital problem solving development.

Celebrating Greatness, Christopher V. Hollister

Communications in Information Literacy

No abstract provided.

Crossing The Studio Art Threshold: Information Literacy And Creative Populations, Sarah Carter, Heather Koopmans, Alice Whiteside

Communications in Information Literacy

Artists often require visual and inspirational information sources that range outside of library walls and websites, and develop their work within the complex social environment of the studio. Librarians historically engage with studio art and design students using multiple standards documents. This article offers an analytical literature review of the pedagogical approaches librarians have taken toward their work in the art and design studios, specifically identifying library practitioners who have adapted or critiqued standards documents in order to address the unique needs of creative populations. The Association of College and Research Libraries’ (ACRL) Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education …

Review Of The New Instruction Librarian: A Workbook For Trainers And Learners, Grace Haynes

Communications in Information Literacy

No abstract provided.

Predictable Information Literacy Misconceptions Of First-Year College Students, Lisa Janicke Hinchliffe, Allison Rand, Jillian Collier

Communications in Information Literacy

The process of learning includes not only success in developing knowledge, skills, and abilities but also mistakes and errors that impede such success. In any domain of learning, instructors will have developed a sense of the typical errors learners make; however, there has been no systematic investigation and documentation of predictable misunderstandings in information literacy learning in higher education. This study begins to fill that gap. Through an analysis of survey responses and focus groups, the researchers identified nine information literacy misconceptions and developed a model framework of information literacy misconceptions. The article concludes by proposing learning outcomes that could …

Sails, Take 2: An Exploration Of The “Build Your Own Test” Standardized Il Testing Option For Canadian Institutions, Rumi Y. Graham, Nicole Eva, Sandra Cowan

Communications in Information Literacy

Several standardized and validated information literacy (IL) tests have been developed for use in U.S. post-secondary contexts, but fewer choices exist for schools outside of the U.S. In an earlier study (Cowan, Graham, & Eva, 2016) the authors explored IL testing at a Canadian university using the international version of the SAILS Cohort test. This article describes a second study that used the Build Your Own Test (BYOT)—a customizable version of the SAILS Individual Scores test—to evaluate undergraduate students’ IL learning. Pros and cons of using the Cohort and BYOT versions of SAILS are discussed, with the aim of providing …

Book Review: Information Literacy In The Workplace, Lore Guilmartin

Communications in Information Literacy

No abstract provided.

Advancing Digital Skills For Problem Solving In Technology-Rich Environments, Jill Castek, Gloria Jacobs

Presentations and Publications

Digital and disciplinary literacies are not simply tools or cognitive behaviors. They have the potential to provide opportunities for students to better understand themselves, their communities, and their world. The presentation examines ways of conceptualizing and understanding digital literacies and disciplinary learning and consider implications for teacher education and community outreach efforts.

Examining Adult Learners’ Digital Problem Solving In Libraries Using A Learning Typology, Jill Castek, Amy Honisett

Presentations and Publications

In this presentation, we shared our emerging findings around what constitutes digital problem solving and the approaches and strategies digital problem solvers use.

Librarians As Campus Partners: Supporting Culturally Responsive And Inclusive Curriculum, Kimberly D. Pendell, Robert Schroeder

Library Faculty and Staff Publications and Presentations

Diversity and inclusion initiatives are expanding on campuses across the United States. These initiatives can take many forms, such as the hiring and retention of diverse faculty, student recruitment, and a thoughtful examination of pedagogy and course curriculum. As a librarian, you may be aware of these efforts, but perhaps not as directly involved as disciplinary faculty, particularly in regards to course curriculum development and redesign. How librarians can participate and support this work on our campuses is not always clear; however, we found fertile opportunities for librarian involvement and leadership.

Research Models, Primo [Psu Library Catalog], And The First Year Experience, Kimberly Willson-St. Clair

Library Faculty and Staff Publications and Presentations

Research can be daunting for freshman who are challenged to gather scholarly information beyond Google for their research projects. Applying and blending two research models, ASE (Analyze, Search, Evaluate) with BEAM (Background, Exhibit, Argument, and Method), students can think critically about their topics and strategically search PRIMO for relevant results. This approach addresses several ACRL Framework threshold concepts, especially research as strategic exploration and scholarship as conversation. In this presentation, I will show how effective Primo can be for first year experience students especially in regards to discovering keywords, understanding and organizing citations, finding relevant scholarly resources, and discovering other …

Embracing Challenges In Times Of Change: A Survey Of The Readiness Of Academic Librarians In New Jersey For Transition To The Acrl Framework, Leslin H. Charles

Communications in Information Literacy

Many academic librarians in the state of New Jersey (NJ) have successfully integrated information literacy (IL) into the curriculum using the ACRL IL Competency Standards for Higher Education (Standards). These Standards formed the underpinnings of IL curriculum mapping and assessment plans, and have been adopted by administrators in higher education institutions across the state. The advent of the ACRL Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education (Framework) prompted the author to survey IL coordinators to investigate how their institutions are embracing the opportunities presented by the challenge of looking at IL through this new lens. This paper presents a snapshot …

In Bed With The Library: A Critical Exploration Of Embedded Librarianship At The City University Of New York, Nora Almeida, Julia Pollack

Communications in Information Literacy

This project considers the efficacy and scalability of embedded librarianship initiatives within the City University of New York (CUNY) library system and presents findings of an original research study conducted in 2015. Through an analysis of recent LIS literature on embedment, response data from a survey of librarians, and a selection of library position descriptions, this article examines the implications of embedment practices for librarians and libraries. By shedding light on the extent and context of embedment, the platforms used in virtual embedment scenarios, and obstacles that librarians presently face, this study aims to pinpoint strategies for embedded librarianship initiatives …