"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." (ACRL, 2015).
The new Framework for Information Literacy has been filed by the ACRL Board on February 2, 2015. It focuses on six threshold concepts (frames) to serve as "passageways or portals to enlarged understanding or ways of thinking and practicing within that discipline." Each frame consists of a concept central to information literacy, a set of knowledge practices, and a set of dispositions.
"This [2015] Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education (Framework) grows out of a belief that information literacy as an educational reform movement will realize its potential only through a richer, more complex set of core ideas. ... However, the rapidly changing higher education environment, along with the dynamic and often uncertain information ecosystem in which all of us work and live, require new attention to be focused on foundational ideas about that ecosystem. Students have a greater role and responsibility in creating new knowledge, in understanding the contours and the changing dynamics of the world of information, and in using information, data, and scholarship ethically. Teaching faculty have a greater responsibility in designing curricula and assignments that foster enhanced engagement with the core ideas about information and scholarship within their disciplines. Librarians have a greater responsibility in identifying core ideas within their own knowledge domain that can extend learning for students, in creating a new cohesive curriculum for information literacy, and in collaborating more extensively with faculty." (ACRL 2015 http://www.ala.org/acrl/standards/ilframework)
Standards (adopted by the Kwantlen Library): ACRL Information Literacy Competency Standards for Higher Education
The Kwantlen Polytechnic University Library offers comprehensive research skills sessions for courses at all levels which are based on the standards, performance indicators, and outcomes published in the Association of College & Research Libraries (ACRL) Information Literacy Competency Standards for Higher Education (recently adopted by the Library). The role of the Information Literacy Program in the context of a teaching library is to encourage and facilitate life-long learning. In order to empower students in the pursuit of knowledge, the library faculty aims to teach them the skills of identifying, locating, and evaluating information.
Librarians actively seek opportunities to collaborate with Instructors to integrate and embed information literacy components into the curriculum and are knowledgeable and experienced in providing appropriate assessment and activities that promote information literacy skills development. For further information or assistance with information literacy contact our Instruction Librarian Mirela Djokic at mirela.djokic@kpu.ca.
The information literacy program at Kwantlen Libraries is offered through a blend of services that include research skills classes and course/subject specific instruction sessions (not for credit), and research help at the Reference desk. Instruction is delivered in a library lab environment and in an e-classroom at the instructor’s request.
The Information Literacy program aims to accomplish the following goals:
How can a librarian help my students improve their research skills?
The information literacy skills we teach in our research sessions will help faculty fulfill two of the Essential Skills requirements for their courses : Reading & Information Literacy Skills and Technology Skills, contributing to the Critical Thinking & Problem Solving Skills as well. This is a practical advantage for instructors to have their classes participate in a research session. In this way the Library supports and participates in the learning and teaching goals of the institution. Please refer to The Essential Skills spelled out in section L. 9 of Kwantlen’s administrative policies http://www.kpu.ca/policies/
What expertise does a librarian have?
Librarians at Kwantlen Polytechnic University have a Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science. This degree ensures that librarians are experts in the organization and retrieval of information. We are experts in educating users to identify, find, and use reliable information resources for your subject area.
Each instruction librarian collects materials in specific subject areas and therefore brings unique knowledge to their instruction, development of library collections, and assistance to students, faculty, and staff.
Book a Library Research Skills Class for your students (for Kwantlen Polytechnic University Faculty only) at the Library Instruction request page.
Kwantlen Polytechnic University: Information Literacy Framework
based on ACRL Information Literacy Standards and Australian and New Lealand Information Literacy Framework: principles, standards and practice.
Second ed. Editor: Alan Bundy. Adelaide, Australian and New Zealand Institute for Information Literacy, 2004.
Concept |
Standard |
Outcomes |
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Standard One |
AWARE |
The information literate person recognises the need for information and determines the nature and extent of the information needed. |
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Standard Two |
SEARCH |
The information literate person finds needed information effectively and efficiently |
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Standard Three |
EVALUATE |
The information literate person critically evaluates information and the information seeking process. |
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Standard Four |
STORE |
The information literate person manages information collected or generated. |
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Standard Five |
USE to Create Ideas |
The information literate person applies prior and new information to construct new concepts or create new understandings. |
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Standard Six |
USE with Socio-cultural Awareness |
The information literate person uses information with understanding and acknowledges cultural, ethical, economic, legal, and social issues surrounding the use of information. |
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