Fill out the Library Instruction Request Form for instructional services.

You will be contacted by the library staff to discuss the details of your instruction request.

Information literacy equips students with the necessary skills to become successful users of information in any setting and any discipline.  The American Library Association (2000) defines information literacy as "a set of abilities requiring individuals to recognize when information is needed and have the ability to locate, evaluate, and use it effectively" (p. 2).  Ultimately, information literacy enables students to become independent, life-long learners.  Research indicates that first year college students find completing academic research assignments overwhelming due to several factors:

1.  The library is larger and more complex than their high school library.

2.  They lack the ability to conduct online searches for academic literature using keywords and formulating search queries.

3.  Their research competencies from high school were inadequate as they trade out Google searches for electronic databases.

4.  They need to learn to navigate the new and complex digital and print landscape and make sense of reading academic journal articles (Head, 2013, p. 3).

As technology advancements create numerous learning opportunities, the library can partner with the faculty to provide instructional support for information literacy.  Think of the library as a service, not just a physical space!

Fill out the Library Instruction Request Form for instructional services.

American Library Association (2000).  Information literacy competency standards for higher education.

Head, Alison J. (2013).   Learning the ropes: How freshmen conduct course research once they enter college.