Information Literacy

Information literacy, as defined by the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL),“is the set of integrated abilities encompassing the reflective discovery of information, the understanding of how information is produced and valued,and the use of information in creating new knowledge and participating ethically in communities of learning.” http://www.ala.org/acrl/standards/ilframework

Scribner Librarians work with Skidmore faculty to integrate classes on the use of the library and information resources into the curriculum. We help students become information literate and lifelong learners. An information literate person is one who:

• Recognizes the need for information
• Identifies potential sources of information
• Develops successful search strategies
• Accesses sources of information including print, computer-based and other technologies
• Evaluates information
• Organizes information for practical application
• Integrates new information into an existing body of knowledge
• Uses information in critical thinking and problem solving

Framework and Rubric

Since Information Literacy is a requirement within the major, librarians developed both a Framework and Rubric that faculty can use to assess where in the major students are encountering information literacy and at what proficiency level.

Scribner Library's Learning Goals

The learning goals from Scribner Library map onto Skidmore College's Student Learning goals in the following areas:

• Students will be able to understand, describe, and apply the scholarly communication process. (2c , 3c)

• Students will be able to create information and situate it in the information landscape. (1c, 3c)

• Students will be able to acknowledge sources and use information with integrity. (3a, 3b, 4b)

• Students will be able to evaluate information and its sources critically for its value, relevance, and accuracy. (2a, 2b, 2e, 3a, 4d)

• Students will be able to develop and execute a manageable research project. (1c, 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e, 3d)