Information Literacy: embedding IL into the curriculum
Information Literacy (IL) is defined as:
"Knowing when and why you need information, where to find it, and how to evaluate, use and communicate it in an ethical manner"
Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP)
In other words IL is the ability to find and use information ethically. As the range and quantity of published information increases so does the need for skills in finding, evaluating and using appropriate information. The development of IL skills encourages students to enhance their independent lifelong learning skills and encourages them to approach topics critically.
The importance of IL skills is recognised not only by those working in the information field, e.g. CILIP, but it is also increasingly recognised by employers, professional associations and others as an important skill that is applicable to both study, employment and life long learning. For example the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) suggests that:
"The student will have the ability to: gather and analyse relevant information from a wide variety of sources using appropriate manual and electronic systems".
Quality Assurance Agency. 2004. Subject Benchmark Statements. Academic Standards: Health Studies. Quality Assurance Agency, Gloucester.
What does IL mean for students and staff:
Students with good IL skills will become:
- independent seekers of information
- discerning users of information
- potentially more able to use deep and reflective learning practices.
Staff will have the opportunity to:
- contextualise information literacy and embed it into the curriculum linking it to other key skills
- possibly receive better quality assignments to mark
- demonstrate how this specific learning outcome is achieved OR to deliver a key transferable skill as indicated in module learning outcomes
Arranging information literacy courses
The Library has developed information literacy competencies and profile statements that can help you decide how you would like Information Literacy embedded into the curriculum.
If you wish to organise a customised IL lecture or workshop, please contact the relevant Academic Librarian who will outline the options available including:
- sessions being delivered to a particular cohort of students,
- self-paced learning materials
- or other courses already on offer such as the Know-how courses or Database of the Month courses.
The Library welcome suggestions for courses and supporting materials.
Details of some of the customised courses being offered by the University Library are available from Learn.