Information Literacy
In support of the University's charter goals, the Library aims to enhance student learning and encourage a critical, analytical and evaluative approach to information resources by promoting information literacy as a graduate attribute.
The Association of American College and Research libraries 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 effectively the needed information." Information literacy … is increasingly important in the contemporary environment of rapid technological change and proliferating information resources. Because of the escalating complexity of this environment, individuals are faced with diverse, abundant information choices – in their academic studies, in the workplace, and in their personal lives."
To be successful, information literacy requires a campus wide partnership which combines the expertise of library staff, academic staff and other teaching and learning support services.
Students receive the maximum benefit when information literacy is integrated into a discipline. A curriculum integrated approach gives students more relevant learning opportunities and students can see the direct relationship between information literacy and their course work.
Information literacy skills can be integrated into the curriculum in many ways and delivered during a lecture, face to face in small groups using the library training rooms, or online. Liaison Librarians can also create assignment focused subject pages which can be linked to Learn.
We encourage academic staff to talk to their Liaison Librarian to explore ways of integrating information literacy into the curriculum.