Encountering Values A Revision of Information Literacy Benjamin

Encountering Values: A Revision of Information Literacy? Benjamin R. Harris Trinity University San Antonio, Texas

Why have we neglected to discuss or consider our own standard related to values development?

“…evaluates information and its sources critically and incorporates selected information into his or her knowledge base and value system. ” ACRL Competency Standard 3

“…determines whether the knowledge has an impact on the individual’s value system and takes steps to reconcile the difference. ” ACRL Competency Standard 3, Indicators

“…investigate different points in the literature. ” “…determine whether to incorporate or reject the viewpoints considered. ” ACRL Competency Standard 3, Outcomes

Objectives for Information Literacy Instruction: A Model Statement for Academic Librarians (2001)

Bloom’s Process of “Valuing” Knowledge Beliefs Commitment

Comparing Standards

“Compares new knowledge with prior knowledge to determine value added, contradictions, or other unique characteristics of the information. ” Information Literacy Standards for Science and Engineering (2006)

“…seeks differing viewpoints…and determines whether to incorporate or reject the viewpoints encountered. ” Information Literacy Standards for Anthropology and Sociology Students (2008)

SCONUL (The Seven Headline Skills)

Australian and New Zealand Information Literacy Framework 2004

“The information literate person uses information with understanding and acknowledges cultural, ethical, economic, legal, and social issues surrounding the use of information” (Standard 6)

The information literate individual… “identifies whethere are differing values that underpin new information or whether information has implications for personal values and beliefs. ” Australian and New Zealand Information Literacy Framework (2004)

The information literate individual… “applies reasoning to determine whether to incorporate or reject viewpoints encountered. ” Australian and New Zealand Information Literacy Framework (2004)

The information literate individual… “maintains an internally coherent set of values informed by knowledge and experience. ” Australian and New Zealand Information Literacy Framework (2004)

Information Literacy and Values: The Invisible Literature

2 Bruce Harley (San Diego State) “Freshmen, information literacy, critical thinking, and values. ” Katie Eller “A basis for evaluation: integrating values education and information literacy in the school library center”