Information Literacy Defined SWITCH Information Literacy 1st Annual Teaching In-Service, 2002

What is Information Literacy?

The ALA Definition Information literacy is a set of abilities that enables an individual to “recognize when information is needed and have the ability to effectively locate, evaluate, and use the needed information." American Library Association. Presidential Committee on Information Literacy. Final Report. (Chicago: American Library Association, 1989).

“... a new liberal art that extends from knowing how to use computers and access information to critical reflection on the nature of information itself, its technical infrastructure, and its social, cultural and even philosophical context and impact" Shapiro, Jeremy J. and Shelley K. Hughes. "Information Literacy as a Liberal Art". Educom Review Mar./Apr articles/31231.html articles/31231.html

“ Information literacy is the ability to locate, evaluate, manage and use information from a range of sources for problem solving, decision making and research.“ Bruce, CBruce, C. and P.C Candy (1995). Developing information literate graduates: prompts for good practice. The Learning Link: information literacy in practice. D. Booker. Adelaide, AUSLIB press:

Ability to utilize information technology Knowledge of information sources Knowledge of information-seeking processes Ability to organize and control information Ability to use info to develop a new knowledge base Ability to use info to extend one’s knowledge base Ability to use info wisely for the good of others

Understanding Info Lit Faculty often confuse it with information management Many associate it with accessing online information (not other formats) Incorporates what we do now...the teaching of LIBRARY & RESEARCH SKILLS and more....

Why is Information Literacy Important?

The New Reality Multiple Catalogs and Databases The Library and Its Various Resources –Print, electronic, some full-text, some not The Internet as Its Own (Mega) Resource Multiple Access Points Many Other Access Issues

Why Is Information Literacy Important? Equips individuals to be self-directed, lifelong learners Goes beyond knowing how to use a computer or learning one specific interface Highlights the global nature of information Includes critical evaluation of information Allows for transfer of knowledge Allows for informed decision making

AND, our students still need help!

What Do We Expect Our Students To Know?

What are the competencies or standards associated with being information literate? Seven Faces of Information Literacy

Standards or Outcomes

Two Sets of Competencies For State of Wisconsin Information Literacy Competencies & Criteria for Academic Libraries in Wisconsin Put forth by the WAAL Information Literacy Committee and adopted by the WAAL as of October 9, 1998

Two Sets of Competencies Competencies National ACRL ACRL Information Literacy Competency Standards for Higher Education These standards were approved by the Board of Directors of ACRL on January 18, 2000, at the Midwinter Meeting of the American Library Association in San Antonio, Texas.

Working standards into the curriculum Information literacy is not a discrete set of skills learned once, but a process of locating, organizing and using info Represents a shift in thinking and use of libraries/info which must be reinforced on campus Is crucial to creating a successful workforce for today’s jobs

Progress Integrating Standards into the Curriculum National Information Literacy Survey (report documenting success/progress throughout the U.S.) ed to 2700 institutions in May institutions or 26% responded Sonntag, Gabriela. C&RL News. (November 2001) 62 : Also at,

Highlights from the National Report Types of Institutions, Definition of Info Lit, Info Lit Programs & Implementation of Standards on Campus Most libraries have an accepted definition of information literacy Many libraries now formally accept ACRL or other standards for their state Many working to incorporate standards in individual classes

Highlights from the National Report 80 of 664 respondents have a formal program Many with programs under development 123 of 710 have an info lit requirement on campus 48% of programs in place, are 3 years old or less 29% are 4-7 year old programs librariansDifferent campus groups working on this… but MAIN group for implementation of standards in curriculum is librarians

Alverno College Library From Classes--Department--to Campus Current classes & assignments Good faculty contacts Library class & assignment improvements Our professional development as teachers Identify WAAL “outcomes” for our classes Web tutorial to complement our work and ensure certain competencies are met

How Do We Effectively Teach Information Literacy?

A Few Techniques... From the Literature Understand and plan for information literacy within the library first Move beyond teaching techniques and tools to teaching concepts Build upon what already works Incorporate activities/active learning to motivate students and stimulate critical thinking Collaborate with faculty to make both small and big changes

Help faculty & administration know the importance of info lit Shared responsibility of all educators and information providers Must be integrated into courses at all levels to provide reinforcement of skills

Use Different Modes of Instruction One-On-One Reference Desk In-Class or Group Instruction Tours (in-person & online) Instructional Web Pages/Web Tutorials Library Guides (print or web-form)

Look at Model Programs Florida International University (FIU) Program (Patricia Ianuzzi) Earlham College Program (Tom Kirk) CSU Information Competency Project UW-Parkside Information Literacy Program UT-Austin & TILT (Texas Information Literacy Tutorial)

The Three to Read in 2002

1.Iannuzzi, Patricia. “Faculty Development and Information Literacy: Establishing Campus Partnerships.” Reference Services Review 26, 3 & 4 (Fall/Winter 1998): , Hardesty, Larry. “Faculty Culture and Bibliographic Instruction: An Exploratory Analysis.” Library Trends 44,2 (Fall 1995): Bruce, Christine Susan. “The Phenomenon of Information Literacy.” Higher Education Research and Development. 17, 1 (1998):

Acknowledgments Quigley, Jennifer. Rochester Regional Library Council. Information Literacy and Higher Education. (July, 2001). highered/index.htm highered/index.htm White, Peggy. Information Literacy [Powerpoint presentation, 4/6/99]. University of Calgary Library. ord/index.htm ord/index.htm