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

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, 70-75. This cartoon was published in The New Yorker July 5, 1993 and is available from CartoonBank.com Fall Academic Conference

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Contact us, we’re here to help City University Library library@cityu.edu 425.709.3444 800.526.4269 Arah Martin amartin@cityu.edu 800.426.5596 x5487 Linda Fenster lfenster@cityu.edu 800.426.5596 x3448