Information literacy 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 - more fully described in the ACRL Framework for Information Literacy in Higher Education - https://www.ala.org/acrl/standards/ilframework.
UIW Librarians teach information literacy competencies to aid with finding, retrieving, analyzing, and applying information to a defined purpose that is appropriately scaffolded to the level of the learner. Librarians work in partnership with faculty to build co-curricular learning opportunities that may focus on discipline-specific information, may be focused on the level of the learner, or focus on the specifics of certain metaliteracy to meet the learning support needs of the assignment/course/program.
Metaliteracy includes:
· Generative Artificial Intelligence literacy
· Data literacy
· Media literacy (including social media)
· Financial literacy
· Digital literacy
· Cultural literacy
· Health literacy
The UIW Libraries' information literacy program serves students, faculty, and staff throughout the Incarnate Word community. The entire library staff is charged with developing information literate citizens through formal course instruction, one-on-one reference and consultation, small group sessions, in person and virtual workshops, telephone, e-mail, chat, pathfinders, guides, tutorials, and any other method that might be appropriate. As new methods of instruction and communication are developed, librarians will explore innovative technologies and concepts and use/adapt them to support the objective of supporting information literacy citizens and consumers. We are always interested in co-curricular partnerships that support the specific learning objectives of all programs. We know that generative artificial intelligence is a moveable feast. It will be one metaliteracy that we know will grow in importance to us all.
Information literacy instruction provided by librarians is vital to student success at the university as well as after graduation. Many students are overwhelmed by the wealth of information available to them and many are reluctant to ask for assistance. UIW's librarians teach students how to select and use library resources effectively. This is best done in a classroom setting with your assistance and participation.
Hart Research Associates fielded three surveys for the Association of American Colleges & Universities and each listed desired learning outcomes identified by employers for college graduates. "The ability to locate, organize, and evaluate information from multiple sources" or some variant is included in all three studies. Information literacy instruction is designed to achieve that learning outcome.
