In Spring 2007, Plough Library completed a pilot program in Information Literacy curriculum integration. The program was funded by a development grant from CBU. It allowed the librarians at Plough Library to collaborate with two faculty members from each school at the university to integrate Information Literacy principles into two syllabi per school. The integrated Information Literacy component, or a revised version, is expected to be used whenever the course is taught.

One of the purposes of the program is to serve as a springboard or model for integration of Information Literacy principles or components throughout the curriculums, particularly in syllabi that already have research or writing components.

Purpose | What is Information Literacy? | Why Do We Need Information Literacy? | Goal | How Can Faculty Participate?

Purpose

In addition to supporting CBU’s liberal arts mission, goals and objectives, Information Literacy specifically teaches:

• critical thinking skills
• information access
• evaluation
• information management and use
• ethical use of information
• encouragement of life long learning

What is Information Literacy?

• Information Literacy -- As Defined by The Association of College and Research Libraries
  Information literacy is a set of abilities requiring individuals to "recognize when information is needed and have the ability to locate, evaluate, and use effectively the needed information."
   
  An information literate individual is able to:
• • determine the extent of information needed
  • access the needed information effectively and efficiently
  • evaluate information and its sources critically
  • incorporate selected information into one's knowledge base
  • use information effectively to accomplish a specific purpose
  • understand the economic, legal, and social issues surrounding the use of information, and access and use information ethically and legally
    
    
• Information Literacy -- As Defined by CBU
  Information literacy is a set of abilities requiring individuals to recognize when information is needed and have the ability to locate, evaluate, and use the needed information effectively. At CBU, this includes encouraging and teaching the skills required for life long learning.
  
  
• Life Long Learning -- As Defined by CBU
  A life long learner has the inclination, skills and ability to continue inquiry, learn, and effectively adapt to new personal, professional and societal needs.

Why Do We Need Information Literacy?

Between 2002 and 2005, Plough Library conducted surveys of our evening students, first year students and our faculty. The survey results from our students indicated that there were gaps in the students' abilities to locate, evaluate and use information effectively and ethically. These skills are needed in order to be a successful college student and to enable life long learning. These skills are also needed to encourage compliance with CBU’s Plagiarism Policy.

Goal

Our goal is to substantially integrate Information Literacy principles into all curriculums at CBU by the fall of 2008, particularly those with research and writing assignments.

How Can Faculty Participate?

If you are currently teaching a course that has a research or writing component, you may participate. Contact the library, and we will collaborate to add components that integrate Information Literacy principles through instruction, exercises or other methods. The component with be designed to meet your expected outcome for the research and writing component that is are already a part of your syllabus.

Contact: Benjamin F. Head, 321-4355 or bhead@cbu.edu.