Improving the Quality of Student Research through Information Literacy Arianne Hartsell-Gundy Humanities Librarian
What Is Information Literacy? “Set of competencies that an informed citizen possesses to participate actively in society” Five core principles – Recognize the need for information – Determine effective search strategies – Identify appropriate resources – Utilize information resources and library services – Evaluate and analyze info in various formats Related to critical thinking
Information Literacy Skills Can be seen as a tiered process (analogous to the Miami Plan) Students will not be at the same level More Than Just “Library Skills”
Why does it matter? Most students who enter college are not effectively equipped with the skills to: – Correctly cite external sources – Completely avoid plagiarism – Recognize differences (and use of) scholarly materials – Navigate the vast amount of information available
How does/can this affect you? Papers that are not complete/in depth Poor/undocumented sources “Borrowed” material Backwards Research
What can the library do?
(Some) Instruction Options Library Instruction – In the library or your classroom – Many timing options – Within assignment context – Follow-up Blackboard Embedded Librarian – Virtual Discussions/Help Sessions
(Some) Instruction Options Scaffolded Research Assignments – Librarians can assist with design – Ensure quality of research along the way TIM Workshops In Your Classroom – Specific to your class
(Some) Instruction Options Online Learning: Miami eScholar – – Academic Integrity and Information Literacy – Final Quiz with Completion Certificate
Instructional Effectiveness What do students know? – Information Literacy Perceptions Survey How did students achieve? – Incorporate IL into rubrics – Class-specific questionnaires – ePortfolios
Subject Specialist Librarians Knowledgeable of your field Can assist with instruction sessions – Integrated sessions (short sessions, multi classes) Can help to create/enhance assignments Small-group/individual assistance
Questions? Eric Resnis Instruction/Information Literacy Coordinator 208 King Library Arianne Hartsell-Gundy Humanities Librarian 210 King Library