Information Literacy Commons^™

Creating A Sustainable Partnership : Information Literacy Instruction For An Honors Program First-Year Orientation., Anna Marie Johnson

Faculty and Staff Scholarship

The information literacy literature contains many articles highlighting new instruction initiatives but few articles documenting sustainable ones. This article examines the literature on library partnerships in general and Honors Programs specifically and reports on the evolution of an ongoing fifteen year partnership between the University of Louisville Honors Program and the Ekstrom Library. It then discusses the development of this partnership and the changes in the information literacy program engendered by this partnership. It ends by defining some of the elements that made the partnership sustainable, ones that could potentially be transferred to other such partnerships.

Visualizing History: Using Museum Skills To Teach Information Literacy To Undergraduates, Sandra Roff

Publications and Research

Baruch College began an information studies minor that reinforces the principles of information literacy. However, it did not employ the visual to teach information literacy skills. To fill this gap, a new course, using the process of researching and preparing an exhibit script to teach undergraduates information literacy skills, was developed. In this course students have the opportunity to become creative, while at the same time learning the organizational and research skills needed to compose exhibit proposals, write labels and press releases and finally to produce exhibit script.

The Impact Of Computer Literacy And Library Anxiety On Students' Library Experience, Terry Dwain Robertson, Lauren Matacio

Faculty Publications

Despite growing up with technology, are college freshmen well prepared for library research, or does their computer savvy actually put them at a disadvantage? Do other factors such as library anxiety affect students’ research experience? How can secondary educators better prepare their students for the leap from a small school library to a large college or university library? How can college librarians make new students’ first library experience a positive one? These questions are addressed in this article.

Why Not Just Google It? An Assessment Of Information Literacy Skills In A Biomedical Science Curriculum, Karl Kingsley, Gillian M. Galbraith, M. Herring, Eva Stowers, Tanis Stewart, Karla V. Kingsley

Library Faculty Research

Background: Few issues in higher education are as fundamental as the ability to search for, evaluate, and synthesize information. The need to develop information literacy, the process of finding, retrieving, organizing, and evaluating the ever-expanding collection of online information, has precipitated the need for training in skill-based competencies in higher education, as well as medical and dental education.

Methods: The current study evaluated the information literacy skills of first-year dental students, consisting of two, consecutive dental student cohorts (n = 160). An assignment designed to evaluate information literacy skills was conducted. In addition, a survey of student online search engine …

Information Is Social: Information Literacy In Context, Jen Hoyer

Publications and Research

This paper aims to discuss traditional conceptions of information literacy as created within an academic context to address information needs within this context. It seeks to present alternative realities of information use outside the academic sector, and to suggest that information literacy instruction within academia does not go far enough in preparing students for the information society beyond university. The aim is then to follow this by discussion of appropriate information literacy models to prepare young people for information use in a variety of workplace environments.

Helping International Students Succeed Academically Through Research Process And Plagiarism Workshops., Yu-Hui Chen, Mary K. Van Ullen

University Libraries Faculty Scholarship

Workshops on the research process and plagiarism were designed to meet the needs of international students at the University at Albany. The research process workshop covered formulating research questions, as well as locating and evaluating sources. The plagiarism workshop focused on acknowledging sources, quoting, paraphrasing, and summarizing materials, citation styles, and avoiding plagiarism. The effectiveness of the workshops was measured by administering pre-and post-tests and by interviewing students several months after the workshops. The results showed that students achieved significant improvement for both the research process and plagiarism by attending the training, and they continued to apply new skills several …

Learning Through Quests And Contests: Games In Information Literacy Instruction, Maura A. Smale

Publications and Research

Games-based learning is an innovative pedagogical strategy employed at all levels of education, and much research in education, psychology, and other disciplines supports its effectiveness in engaging and motivating students, as well as increasing student learning. Many libraries have incorporated games into their collections and program-ming. College and university libraries have begun to use games for information literacy and library instruction. Academic librarians use commercially-produced games, create their own games, and employ game principles and mechanics to enhance their tradi-tional instructional offerings. While there may be impediments to implementing games-based learning for information literacy, the promising benefits of this approach …

Other People’S Money: Adapting Entrepreneurial Techniques To Build Capital In Challenging Economic Times, Robert Farrell

Publications and Research

Drawing on the “predator” model of entrepreneurship put forward by Villette and Vuillermot in their 2009 book “From Predators to Icons,” this article argues that challenging economic times reveal that self-funded, collaborative information literacy models have in many cases unsustainably overstretched staff and budgets. In such circumstances, it is necessary for librarians to shift to an entrepreneurial approach that seeks profitable opportunities funded by parties other than the library in order to build capital for current and future instructional services. Following Villette and Vuillermot, the article seeks to refute a cultural myth that sees the entrepreneur as someone who is …

Review Of Building Bridges: Connecting Faculty, Students, And The College Library, Patricia Andersen

Collaborative Librarianship

No abstract provided.

Information Literacy And The Workforce: A Review, Sharon A. Weiner

Libraries Faculty and Staff Scholarship and Research

This paper is a review of reports on information literacy and the workforce. There is a substantial body of literature on information literacy in K-16 educational settings, but there is much less literature on implications for the workplace and job-related lifelong learning. The topical categories of the reports are: the importance of information literacy for the workforce; how information literacy differs in work and educational settings; and barriers to information literacy in the workplace. The paper concludes with recommendations for practice and for further research.

Problem-Based Learning And Learning Assessment In Information Strategies For Htm Students, Hal P. Kirkwood Jr

Libraries Faculty and Staff Creative Materials

Poster was presented at the Purdue Libraries One Book Higher Poster Session. Focus of the poster is on the use of problem-based assignments to create a more real-world experience in utilizing business information resources.

Purdue Libraries In Second Life, Hal P. Kirkwood Jr, Monica Kirkwood, Victoria Thomas

Libraries Faculty and Staff Creative Materials

Poster was presented at the Purdue Libraries One Book Higher Poster Session. Focus is on the activities and experimentation within the virtual world Second Life by the Purdue Libraries. Key projects were the virtual presentation of Amelia Earhart photographs and a simulation in a restaurant setting for hospitality & tourism management research.

Open Access And Liberal Education: A Look At Armenia, Azerbaijan And Georgia, D. Aram Donabedian, John Carey

Publications and Research

In the post-Soviet era, libraries in Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia have faced increasing budgetary challenges. In response to socioeconomic restructuring and the introduction of private enterprise, libraries have been forced to seek alternatives to commercial publishing and licensing models. This paper will assess the status of the open access movement and of Internet filtering controls in the countries of the South Caucasus. It will also argue that developing open models for scholarly communications is crucial to the strengthening of liberal education and civic participation in these aspiring democracies. Libraries, in their role as providers of and advocates for shared information, …

Critical Teaching In The Library, Alycia Sellie

Publications and Research

No abstract provided.

An ‘Information Literacy’ Perspective Of The Creation/Evolution Debate, Terry Dwain Robertson

Faculty Publications

The conventional information literacy standards do not suffice for engaging the creation/evolution debate. The data is inconclusive about which approach is more likely; neither theory can be validated any more than the other. Both theories appeal to a recognized authority.

User Education And Information Literacy In Agricultural Universities Of India, Neena Singh

Communications in Information Literacy

Twenty-six of the agricultural universities in India teach user education and information literacy (IL). This article evaluates these courses and investigates if and how the course curriculum blends research and technical writing skills effectively. Unfortunately, the courses lack uniformity in teaching IL and technical writing skills. Since the universities are under state government control, they are unable to provide uniform curricula throughout India. There is also a need for a credited course on IL, integrating ICT and computer skills, and another course for research and technical writing.

Embedded Librarians: Building Relationships With The Honors College, Jenna Rinalducci

Georgia International Conference on Information Literacy

This year long collaboration between the Honors College and the Library began with an instruction session for Honors College teaching assistants. Our collaboration focused primarily on the student’s first class on research methods. In their Honors 110: Research Methods class, students are introduced to research practices, including the development of research topics, the analysis of sources, and the organization of evidence. As our collaboration increased we developed new strategies for meeting the information needs of the students and their teachers. We were able to work with teachers and students both in person and online. We are building an online presence …

10 Bucks = 10 Great Ideas: Dollar Daze And Thrifty Finds To Engage Students In Literacy And Learning, Julia Andreacchi

Georgia International Conference on Information Literacy

The workshop will stimulate thought and will give participants an opportunity to share their ideas in small group discussion format. Ideas/activities developed adhere to the “Standards for the 21st Century Learner”. “Give me a reason to go to the Library”, (Andrea Drusch). Activities developed are in collaboration with the Teacher-Librarian and classroom Teacher. The novel, Teddy Gets Out! serves as an inspiration to the development of the activities. This powerful story of unconditional love and motivation to succeed serves to successfully address literacy through a series of interdisciplinary activities. Activities address reading comprehension, vocabulary, character education, nature and ecology, artistic …

Dream A Little Dream Of Us ... United For Success!, Esther Grassian

Georgia International Conference on Information Literacy

See presentation description.

Fighting Professor Boredom And The Student's Narrow Scope: A Strategy For More Varied And Interesting College Freshmen Papers, Randy Howe

Georgia International Conference on Information Literacy

See presentation description.

Needs Analysis: The First Step In Library Instruction Assessment, Anne Pemberton

Georgia International Conference on Information Literacy

Using instructional design methods, specifically conducting a needs analysis, can provide librarians with a road map for designing an assessment plan for library instruction. Instructional design models are often unfamiliar to librarians and underutilized in library instruction and in information literacy programs. One instructional design model is ADDIE: Analyze Design, Develop, Implement, and Evaluate. The first step in the process, the analysis, can be done by developing a needs analysis for your specific institution in order to measure the gap between what faculty expect students to know and the knowledge and skills that students actually possess. Conducting a needs analysis …

Bringing Library Resources To The Online Classroom: Building Faculty-Librarian Partnerships, Sofia Slutskaya, Rebecca Rose, Amelia Glawe

Georgia International Conference on Information Literacy

The number of students taking online classes has risen substantially over past several years. Many traditional colleges offer online and hybrid classes as an alternative to traditional face-to-face instruction. Face-to-face faculty are encouraged to learn and use course management systems (CMS) to publish syllabi and assignments, track student grades and supplement traditional interactions with chat and electronic discussion boards. Often overwhelming to instructors, digital educational tools proliferate throughout the academic landscape. Determining which tools will work for your classroom environment can be daunting, in addition to the hours of training so as to effectively use those tools. Partnering with librarians …

Multiple Partnerships For Student Information Literacy: Library, Writing Center, Faculty, And Administrators, Barbara Alderman, Andrew Todd, Barbara Rau Kyle

Georgia International Conference on Information Literacy

In May, 2007, a University of Central Florida regional campus team comprised of teaching faculty, librarians, administrators, and writing center coordinators received a three year Quality Enhancement Plan grant to study the impact of a library/writing center partnership on student information literacy. This presentation will share our project’s results and benefits. Using the ACRL Information Literacy Standards, the team developed modifications and interventions designed to improve students’ ability to gather, evaluate, and use information, and to enhance their technology literacy and critical thinking. The project’s development included ongoing discussions of progress, obstacles, program collaboration, and single location of services. Targeted …

Lost In Translation: Creating A Common Language For Information Literacy Across Disciplines, Emily Frigo, Mary O'Kelly, Jodi Tyron

Georgia International Conference on Information Literacy

The Libraries of Grand Valley State University (GVSU) crafted an Information Literacy Core Competencies document during fall 2008 for adoption by the larger GVSU community (http://main.gvsu.edu/library/information-literacy-core-competencies-168.htm). The philosophy of information literacy is embedded in all learning environments, but the term information literacy is most prevalent in the context of libraries. The competencies document was an attempt to clarify these concepts in a manner that speaks to the broader academic community. Every effort was made to use inclusive language and to make concepts applicable to a wide variety of academic disciplines. Focus groups were chosen as the lead vehicle to roll …

Hang Gliding From Bi To Il, Kelly Rhodes Mcbride

Georgia International Conference on Information Literacy

Information Literacy Librarians in Belk Library and Information Commons are mapping a new strategy in response to a new academic focus in General Education on the campus of Appalachian State University. Belk Library’s Information Literacy and Instruction Program is moving from the traditional one-shot bibliographic instruction (BI) session to a curriculum integrated information literacy (IL) approach, which begins with students in the first year and extends through their capstone experience. This presentation will outline the process, which includes a revision and implementation of the University’s General Education Program, the development of academically-centered First Year Programs, and the building of partnerships …

Ic @ Ghc: Assessing Information Literacy Skills Across The Curriculum And On A Budget, Cindy Wheeler, Teresa Hutchins

Georgia International Conference on Information Literacy

Information Competency at Georgia Highlands College (IC @ GHC) is a curriculum-wide plan implemented at a two-year college to increase student information competency levels. This presentation will discuss strategies which allowed the college to successfully meet the Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) requirements of SACS through the use of innovative assessment and implementation measures which garnered enthusiastic faculty involvement and also managed to stay within a first year, $14,000 shoe-string budget. The plan was born out of a grassroots effort that involved

Building A First-Year Information Literacy Experience: Integrating Best Practices In Education And Acrl Information Literacy Standards For Higher Education, Jacalyn Bryan, Elana Karshmer

Georgia International Conference on Information Literacy

SLU100 (Introduction to the University Experience) is a mandatory first-year course. It provides a framework of strategies to help students succeed in and out of the classroom. This course includes a library component that requires each class section to attend a library instruction session. Time and staff limitations, as well as a desire to include meaningful active learning experiences relating to Information Literacy, prompted a redesign of the instructional approach. The new instruction plan integrates the ACRL IL standards, McREL strategies, and active learning opportunities in order to create library instruction sessions that are based on practical as well as …

Teachers, Partners, Co-Mentors: Collaborating To Improve Research And Writing Instruction, Alex R. Hodges, Alison B. Thomas, Patricia J. West

Georgia International Conference on Information Literacy

See presentation description.

Management Of Online Tutorials: A Model For A Step-By-Step Approach, Kanu A. Nagra, Dorothea J. Coiffe

Publications and Research

Online tutorials have great potential to reach a large population and to accommodate multiple learning styles anytime and anywhere. This paper describes the management of online tutorials and related concepts in detail. The review of literature method is used to study the variables. The variables under study include the mission, objectives, funding, manpower, in-house creation, outsourcing, incorporation in curriculum, content, type, technology, metadata, discovery services, script design, standards, assessment, professional training, marketing techniques and future goals for creation and management of online tutorials in libraries. A practical model based on literature study and the authors' experience with online tutorials is …

Exploring The Political Dimensions Of Information Literacy Through Popular Film., Robert Detmering

Faculty and Staff Scholarship

Certain popular films contextualize the access, use, and interpretation of information within a political and social framework. As a result, these films function as alternative pedagogical sites for analysis and critique, facilitating critical thinking about information beyond the library and the classroom, and leading students to a deeper understanding of the fundamental need for information literacy. A conceptual basis for the consideration of film in politically engaged information literacy instruction is provided, supported by a discussion of three relevant films: Jason Reitman’s Thank You for Smoking (2006), Joel and Ethan Coen’s Burn after Reading (2008), and Oliver Stone’s W. …