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Information literacy is the ability to recognize an information need and then to locate, evaluate, and effectively use information from a variety of sources to satisfy the need. The acquisition of information literacy skills contributes to an individual's development as a critical thinker, problem solver, and independent learner.
A general library orientation is one aspect of information literacy instruction. General tours of the library address the most basic needs of doing research at the College of DuPage Library. Information literacy instruction can go beyond teaching the "finding skills" and include content that would address issues of evaluation and application into your course. Consult with your library liaison about he/she can do this in your discipline area.
Besides designing custom library instruction sessions to introduce library collections, services and research tools, the librarians can help in other ways. We will gladly create research guides tailored to your class, help you create research based assignments, and suggest materials for your reading lists. We build on your course content and can work with you to best meet the needs of your students.
One advantage to scheduling a session is that your students' skills are assessed in the context of your class. Additionally, in the information world, resources and techniques change often; therefore, repeat attendance gives students another opportunity to learn and practice them.
No. The College's student demographics tell us that our students come with differing educational backgrounds. Those students who do have basic skills need to be exposed to college level resources and advanced research techniques. Additionally, techniques and resources change rapidly. What they learned a year or two ago may now be outdated.
Instruction can take place in the Library in one of five classrooms. Two of these have computers for hands-on instruction. In addition, arrangements can be made to come to your classroom.
Sure! Consult with your library liaison about arranging this.
Sure! Consult with your library liaison about arranging this.
Yes, as you would any other class session. Since we build upon the content of your class, we need you to be available to answer specific questions about the assignment and to contribute your experiences with researching in your discipline. Your presence also gives you the opportunity to hear about new developments at the C.O.D. Library and validates the importance of taking time to know how to use the library and do research.
Most of our sessions are 50-80 minutes long. However, consult with your library liaison about the time required to meet the needs of your assignment.
Most faculties prefer to convene in a classroom. The library has five classrooms available for classes. These classrooms can be reserved no more than three (3) days in advance of the desired date. Consult with your library liaison about availability.
Every quarter two library research workshops are held specifically for ENG 103 students. These are usually scheduled for the 5th week of the quarter and are taught by a librarian. If students can not attend, encourage students to make an appointment with the library liaison for English.
Yes! There are so many ways to assess their ability to find and critically use information. Consult our list of ideas for research assignments.
We all know that mere attendance at a library information literacy session does not guarantee that they "got it". We would encourage and would be willing to work with you on developing an activity that would assess the content of that session. Need ideas of how to create an assessment tool? Check here!
Fabulous! A good way to start is to become familiar with the student learning outcomes established by the C.O.D. Librarians. Take a look at these and determine if the activities and assignments you use are incorporating these skill sets.
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