Integrating Information Literacy Linda Fenster City University Library

What are the characteristics of an information literate individual?

Why is information literacy instruction important?

Bibliographic Instruction (BI) • Skill-based approach that focuses on tools and search interfaces (how to use an index, abstract, OPAC) • Tied to a course assignment from an instructor, and is not in all courses • Isolated with limited transference of student learning within the curriculum

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)

From Library Skills to Information Literacy “Old” emphasis 1. Passive: tours, lectures 2. Faculty identified topics 3. Locate information 4. Print only 5. Established authority 6. Term paper product 7. Course level “New” emphasis 1. Active: coordinated 2. Student identified topics 3. Evaluate, use, communicate info 4. Multiple formats and choices 5. Determine authority 6. Multiple options 7. Discipline/program level

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

Ideal • Student is introduced to information literacy 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

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.

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