What is information literacy?
The Association of College and Research Libraries (2015) formally defines information literacy as “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”.
A more contextual description states: “information literate students understand that the world of information is complex. They think critically about information that they encounter, in any format, and are able to locate appropriate information for their context and need. They are ethical and intentional in their own creation of information. Their skills seamlessly transfer from one program and situation to another and create a foundation for lifelong learning (Red Deer College Library).
Why is information literacy important?
The current information landscape is often challenging to navigate. Searching strategically for relevant, credible information can be difficult for many students. The process of choosing and developing research topics can also be challenging. Understanding how, why and for whom, information is created can also be a struggle. Students are expected to be active consumers and creators of knowledge while participating ethically in scholarly conversations. These challenges underlie why information literacy is important.
How the University Library supports information literacy
Instructional Support: Faculty may request customizable and collaborative information literacy workshops on a variety of topics including searching effectively and strategically, locating peer-reviewed literature, and critically evaluating information sources. Librarians can also provide advice on research assignments and recommend course-specific resources - contact your librarian to learn more.
Several U of S courses now include online, subject-specific information literacy modules. Librarians also offer instructional support for instructors teaching online or at a distance. Contact your librarian to see what services are available to support you.
The library recently developed an information literacy toolkit which provides access to a variety of learning resources for incorporating information literacy into your teaching.
Individualized Research Consultations: Students and faculty are welcome to make an appointment with their librarian for individualized research consultations.
Drop-in Sessions: Throughout Terms 1 and 2, the library offers various drop-in research-related workshops for both undergraduate and graduate students.
Reference Services: The library's Ask Us service provides research assistance in-person, as well as via telephone, email, and chat/IM.
Library Materials: The library has various online resources that address many common research questions. The library’s Research Guides are rich resources providing research assistance in subject-specific areas as well as in general research areas. In addition, the library’s extensive collection of resources can be incorporated directly into your courses (e.g., direct persistent links to online resources, Course Reserves for print and online resources, etc.).
What is informing our practice?
The Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) recently released the Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education. The framework revolves around six core information literacy concepts:
- Authority is Constructed and Contextual
- Information Creation as a Process
- Information Has Value
- Research as Inquiry
- Scholarship as Conversation
- Searching as Strategic Exploration
From this framework, the University Library drafted developmental, non-discipline specific, undergraduate student learning outcomes.
The University Library’s commitment to information literacy instruction also builds on the University of Saskatchewan’s vision to provide high-quality teaching and learning experiences, by aligning the library’s instructional programming with the learning goals set forth in the University’s 