Information Literacy Skills Development (ILSD)

Information literacy forms the basis for lifelong learning. The Information Literacy program at College of the Rockies is collaborative, creative and centered on teaching excellence and the student experience. COTR Librarian partners with instructors to enhance learning experiences and foster the development of students who are information fluent, critical thinkers and advance in an information-intense environment.

Frameworks and learning outcomes endorsed by the Association of College & Research Libraries provide the foundation for creating and assessing workshops, instructional sessions, and programs delivering exemplary information literacy instruction.

What is information literacy and why is it important?

Information Literacy is a set of abilities that enable individuals to evaluate and choose information critically from a range of sources, and use information ethically and effectively. Technology continues to drive teaching and learning in higher education and these skills are essential for both faculty and students.

How can information literacy instruction help students?

Through a blend of instructional initiatives and services, students have the opportunity to learn about:

• library resources;
• how to formulate a research strategy;
• how to find and choose credible sources;
• how to use and cite scholarly information;
• how to avoid plagiarism;
• and more.

Information literacy instruction provides students with tools to better manage and complete their college coursework, maintain academic integrity, and avoid plagiarism. Incorporating information literacy skills into coursework provides an opportunity to enhance student research skills and increase academic success by:

• stimulating life-long learning practices using library resources
• delivering targeted, point-of-need database training aimed to improve research strategy efficiency
• developing academic critical thinking
• promoting ethical use of information, avoiding plagiarism
• making available quality sources and resources

The College's Librarian offers workshops upon request to all students, instructors and staff of College of the Rockies.

• To provide information literacy support for all students
• To integrate information literacy skills into the curriculum
• To ensure that all COTR students have the opportunity to gain information literacy skills before they graduate
• To build a support network for instructors at COTR

Understanding how the 21st century college student approaches studying and research is exceedingly helpful for professional librarians to better design workshops, learning tools, and embedded objects.

UBC Librarians conducted a research study to learn about first year student's experiences to research for their coursework.  The findings are surprising.

Published on Dec 16, 2013

Much of the information and many documents presented in this guide are those developed over years of designing, delivering, and learning. ‘This guide includes content adapted with permission from Robin Kear, Liaison Librarian, University of Pittsburgh.’