1. Information Literacy: What is it and Why Should I Care?
City University
Information Literacy: What is it and Why Should I Care?
Arah Martin and Linda Fenster
City University
Fall Academic Conference

2. I found it on the Internet…
City University
I found it on the Internet…
“29% of students surveyed accept Internet information regardless.”
Source: Graham, L. & Metaxas, P. (2003). Of course it’s true I saw it on the Internet. Communications of the ACM, (46)5,
This cartoon was published in The New Yorker July 5, 1993 and is available from CartoonBank.com
Fall Academic Conference

3. What are the characteristics of an information literate individual?
City University
What are the characteristics of an information literate individual?
Refer to Q and A handout in packet--
Determine the extent of information needed
Access the needed information effectively and efficiently
Evaluate information and its sources critically
Incorporate selected information into one’s knowledge base
Use information effectively to accomplish a specific purpose
Understand the economic, legal, and social issues surrounding the use of information, and access and use information ethically and legally
Fall Academic Conference

4. Why is information literacy instruction important?
City University
Why is information literacy instruction important?
Electronic information increasingly comes to us in unfiltered formats, raising questions about authenticity, validity, and reliability
The uncertain quality and expanding quantity of information (text, graphic, aural, spatial) poses new and special challenges for users
Students are entering colleges and universities lacking basic research and information competence skills (including critical thinking, decision making, self-directed learning)
Technology is transforming teaching and learning
Assessment efforts are indicating student over reliance on the Web as an information source
Faculty want to see an improvement in the quality of student work and an increase in the effectiveness of student research
Students want to complete assignments with less difficulty and more satisfaction
Employers want to hire graduates who are “competent”, take responsibility, can solve problems, and produce new ideas/directions
Accreditation bodies (regional, state, professional) want to see a change in past practices
Society wants an educated, informed, and productive citizenry
Fall Academic Conference

5. Bibliographic Instruction (BI)
City University
Bibliographic Instruction (BI)
Skill-based approach that focuses on tools and search interfaces (how to use an index, abstract, library catalog)
Tied to a course assignment from an instructor, and is not in all courses
Isolated with limited transference of student learning within the curriculum
Where are we now? Term coined 30+ years ago in print world
Fall Academic Conference

6. Information Literacy Instruction (ILI)
City University
Information Literacy Instruction (ILI)
Focuses on campus collaboration (faculty, assessment, academic programs, instructional media services—Blackboard)
Recognizes the relationship to an institution’s mission and goals, program review, accreditation criteria, outcomes-based assessment strategies
Reflects a collaborative responsibility and partnership between department faculty (content) and librarians (process)
Where do we want to go?
Fall Academic Conference

7. From Library Skills to Information Literacy
City University
From Library Skills to Information Literacy
“Old” emphasis
Passive: tours, lectures
Faculty identified topics
Locate information
Print only
Established authority
Term paper product
Course level
“New” emphasis
Active: coordinated
Student identified topics
Evaluate, use, communicate info
Multiple formats and choices
Determine authority
Multiple options
Discipline/program level
Fall Academic Conference

8. What does an IL curriculum look like?
City University
What does an IL curriculum look like?
College or university-wide
Inquiry, problem, performance, and resource based
Makes effective use of instructional technologies
Learner centered
Integrated with learning outcomes
National and even global initiative. ACRL is a major influencer and has developed standards for universities.
Talk about Information Literacy Task Force, members, and role
Refer to mission statement and draft of competencies rubric
This group will be charged with developing a mission, goals, and objectives for a University-wide information literacy program that recognizes the importance of information literacy instruction at an institution like ours and articulates the goals and objectives of such a program.  This eventually would become our institutional statement on information literacy which would aid us in planning, administering, and assessing such a program.
Fall Academic Conference

9. City University
Ideal
Student is introduced to information literacy (IL) in first year; reinforced in multiple courses
Student continues to encounter IL throughout the curriculum, culminating in a capstone experience
Embed IL in overall assessment
Fall Academic Conference

10. City University
It’s up to us
“Faculty commitments and capabilities make or break the implementation of curriculum change, and they are central to sustaining program vitality. Faculty design and teach the courses and instruct the students: they are a program's most important resource.”
Association of American Colleges. (1994). Strong foundations: Twelve principles for effective general education programs (p. 44). Washington, DC: Author.
Fall Academic Conference

11. Contact us, we’re here to help
City University Library
Arah Martin
x5487
Linda Fenster
x3448