Examples of 
University Information Literacy Outcomes

Outcome 1: Students will be able to identify and articulate their information needs
This outcome refers to recognizing the existence of and identifying the information problem to be solved

bulletStudents will be able to state their research topic in well-formed English sentences.
bulletStudents will confer with instructors and librarians in matters relating to their research topics.
bulletStudents will adjust and modify their research topics, according to the interplay of newly discovered information with pre-existing knowledge and experience.

Outcome 2: Students will develop a knowledge base regarding the major formats, delivery mechanisms, and organizational structure of information resources.
This outcome refers to the research process, and includes both” information resource” and “information technology” literacies.  This outcome has several implications.

bulletStudents will form a conceptual map of the types of resources available via the Gutman Library, and other libraries and information centers, if necessary for the completion of the student’s research.
bulletStudents will be able to locate, in Gutman Library, reference materials, circulating materials, reserve materials, audio-visual materials, current periodicals, back issues of periodicals, (bound; on microform) and periodicals whose holdings are entirely on microform.
bulletStudents will use the appropriate tools to locate the items sought:
bullet

Students will use both print and online indexing and abstracting tools to locate magazine/journal articles, books, book chapters.  This entails understanding the scope and dates of coverage of different print and online tools

bullet

Students will use the online catalog to locate books and determine the serial titles held by the Library.

bulletIf a finding tool like those mentioned above has been used, students will then be able to access the actual items sought:
bullet

Students will accurately “read” citations to materials sought, and determine if, for example, the item is a book, journal article, conference proceeding, book chapter, dissertation, unpublished paper, video or audiotape, etc.

bullet

After locating an abstract of an article using an indexing and abstracting tool, the student will be able to locate and access the full-text article using an online database, the online catalog and a photocopier or microform reader-printer, or Gutman Library’s Interlibrary Loan Service, or via another nearby library.

bulletStudents will distinguish between the Internet and fee-based, commercially licensed web-accessible databases and online journal collections.

 

Outcome 3: Using this knowledge base, students will be able to identify and apply the resources and tools that are most appropriate for specific information problems.
This outcome refers to both “information resource literacy” and “information technology literacy” or “information tool literacy”

bulletStudents will use the resources that are most appropriate in terms of scope, depth, and dates of coverage.
bulletStudents will identify the specialized resources pertinent to their majors, and use them effectively to derive the information they need (this example targets mainly sophomores, juniors, & seniors)
bulletStudents will use appropriate information management and presentation tools (Word processing or database management software, web authoring tools, presentation software).

Outcome 4: Students will demonstrate the ability to critically evaluate and ethically apply information.
This outcome refers to critical thinking skills and the ethical and wise use of information

bulletStudents will properly employ citation and documentation in the styles determined by the instructor.
bulletStudents will effectively judge the relative value of the information they have retrieved in relation to their research problem, in terms of, (for example) authority, verifiability, scope, depth, and timeliness (datedness).
bulletStudents will use information legally (for example, abiding by copyright / fair use) and ethically (for example, getting permission before lifting images or sounds or text from a website)
bulletStudents will be able to evaluate the effectiveness of the information used in the course of solving the information problem, and will devise strategies to improve their performance in the future. For example, the students will determine the gaps in their research, and how to fill them (more resource knowledge, more technological skills, improved communication, more time devoted to task definition, better group dynamics, etc.).
 

Back

 

Last Updated 2/11

Send comments to Jordana Shane