scholarly journals Library Instruction and Academic Success: A Mixed-Methods Assessment of a Library Instruction Program

2012 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 82 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melissa Bowles-Terry
Keyword(s):  
Academic Success ◽  
Information Literacy ◽  
Literacy Instruction ◽  
Student Experiences ◽  
Library Instruction ◽  
Grade Point ◽  
Information Literacy Instruction ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Upper Level ◽  
Different Levels

Abstract Objectives – This study examines the connection between student academic success and information literacy instruction. Locally, it allowed librarians to ascertain the institution’s saturation rate for information literacy instruction and identify academic programs not utilizing library instruction services. In a broader application, it provides an argument for a tiered program of information literacy instruction and offers student perspectives on improving a library instruction program. Methods – Focus groups with 15 graduating seniors, all of whom had attended at least one library instruction session, discussed student experiences and preferences regarding library instruction. An analysis of 4,489 academic transcripts of graduating seniors identified differences in grade point average (GPA) between students with different levels of library instruction. Results – Students value library instruction for orientation purposes as beginning students, and specialized, discipline-specific library instruction in upper-level courses. There is a statistically significant difference in GPA between graduating seniors who had library instruction in upper-level courses (defined in this study as post-freshman-level) and those who did not. Conclusions – Library instruction seems to make the most difference to student success when it is repeated at different levels in the university curriculum, especially when it is offered in upper-level courses. Instruction librarians should differentiate between lower-division and upper-division learning objectives for students in order to create a more cohesive and non-repetitive information literacy curriculum.

scholarly journals Far from a Trivial Pursuit: Assessing the Effectiveness of Games in Information Literacy Instruction

2015 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eamon C Tewell ◽  
Katelyn Angell
Keyword(s):  
Information Literacy ◽  
Literacy Instruction ◽  
Lesson Plan ◽  
Online Games ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Library Instruction ◽  
Research Practices ◽  
Information Literacy Instruction ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Experimental Group

Abstract Objective – To determine whether playing library-related online games during information literacy instruction sessions improves student performance on questionnaires pertaining to selected research practices: identifying citation types and keyword and synonym development. Methods – 86 students in seven introductory English composition classes at a large urban university in the northeastern United States served as participants. Each class visited the library for library instruction twice during a given semester. In the experimental group students received information literacy instruction that incorporated two online games, and the control group received the same lesson plan with the exception of a lecture in place of playing games. A six-item pre- and posttest questionnaire was developed and administered at the outset and conclusion of the two-session classes. The 172 individual tests were coded, graded, and analyzed using SPSS. Results – A paired sample t-test comparing the control and experimental groups determined that that there was a statistically significant difference between scores on pre-tests and post-tests in the experimental group but not the control group. Conclusion – Students who played the online games improved significantly more from pre-test to post-test than students who received a lecture in lieu of playing online games, suggesting that participating in games related to the instruction they received resulted in an improved ability to select appropriate keywords and ascertain citation formats. These findings contribute to the evidence that online games concerning two frequently challenging research practices can be successfully applied to library instruction sessions to improve student comprehension of such skills.

scholarly journals Information Literacy and Instruction: Reference and Information Literacy in the Community College Library

2019 ◽  
Vol 59 (1) ◽  
pp. 12
Author(s):  
Chelsea Contrada
Keyword(s):  
Professional Development ◽  
Community College ◽  
Community Colleges ◽  
Information Literacy ◽  
Literacy Instruction ◽  
Colleges And Universities ◽  
Library Instruction ◽  
Strong Case ◽  
Information Literacy Instruction ◽  
College Library

Library workers from libraries of all types can struggle with the challenges of juggling instructional responsibilities with other assigned duties. Library context can play a key role in the resources available to mitigate these challenges. In this article, Chelsea Contrada discusses information literacy instruction in a community college library context and how that context influences her approach to library instruction. She articulates some of the unique aspects of instruction in community colleges and how community college librarians take a different approach than many of their peers in four-year colleges and universities. Contrada makes a strong case for increased collaboration across library type and more robust opportunities for professional development and engagement for community college librarians.—Editor

The effect of information literacy instruction on lifelong learning readiness

IFLA Journal ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 46 (3) ◽  
pp. 259-270
Author(s):  
Leili Seifi ◽  
Maryam Habibi ◽  
Mohsen Ayati
Keyword(s):  
Lifelong Learning ◽  
Information Literacy ◽  
Literacy Instruction ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Literacy Skills ◽  
Self Directed Learning ◽  
Learning Readiness ◽  
Information Literacy Instruction ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Information Literacy Skills

The purpose of the present study is to examine the effect of information literacy skills instruction on the lifelong learning readiness of users in Iranian public libraries. To this end, 30 active users of two libraries were randomly placed in control and experimental groups. Information literacy skills were taught to the experimental group over one and a half months. The results revealed that information literacy instruction led to a significant increase in readiness for self-directed learning and readiness to overcome deterrents to participation. According to the findings, information literacy skills instruction made a significant difference to the information literacy of users in Iranian public libraries. The results of this study encourage public libraries to plan for the implementation of information literacy instruction in order to make public libraries lifelong learning centres.

Free Web-based tools for information literacy instruction

2014 ◽  
Vol 31 (10) ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christine Forbes
Keyword(s):  
Information Literacy ◽  
Literacy Instruction ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Library Instruction ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Information Literacy Instruction ◽  
Academic Medical ◽  
Actual Use

Purpose – The purpose of this article is to examine several free Web-based tools for library instruction, including links to actual use by libraries. Design/methodology/approach – Free Web-based technologies were explored to determine use in library instruction. Findings – Free Web-based technologies are used for instruction by academic, medical and public libraries. Originality/value – This paper examines some newer Web-based technologies that are used in library instruction.

Discourse, Identity, Practice: Analyzing Instruction Librarians’ Conversations About Information Literacy and the Social Web

2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cameron Hoffman ◽  
Sarah Polkinghorne
Keyword(s):  
Discourse Analysis ◽  
Critical Discourse Analysis ◽  
Information Literacy ◽  
Literacy Instruction ◽  
Critical Discourse ◽  
Social Web ◽  
Library Instruction ◽  
Information Literacy Instruction ◽  
The Social ◽  
Web Social

Librarians communicate regularly on the Information Literacy Instruction (ILI-L) listserv about integrating the Social Web in their library instruction practices. Critical discourse analysis of these postings reveals a concern with control, which makes mastery of these technologies a priority, along with a fear in the profession of ceding pedagogical authority.Les bibliothécaires discutent régulièrement sur la liste de diffusion Information Literacy Instruction (ILI-L) de l'intégration du web social aux pratiques de formation documentaire de leur bibliothèque. Une analyse critique du discours de ces communications révèle une préoccupation par rapport au contrôle, faisant de la maîtrise de ces technologies une priorité, ainsi que la crainte d'une perte d'autorité pédagogique pour la profession.

scholarly journals An Emerging Theory for Evidence Based Information Literacy Instruction in School Libraries, Part 2: Building a Culture of Enquiry

2009 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 19 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carol A. Gordon
Keyword(s):  
Action Research ◽  
Information Literacy ◽  
Literacy Instruction ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Evidence Based Practice ◽  
School Library ◽  
School Libraries ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Library Instruction ◽  
Information Literacy Instruction

Objective – The purpose of this paper is to articulate a theory for the use of action research as a tool of evidence based practice for information literacy instruction in school libraries. The emerging theory is intended to capture the complex phenomenon of information skills teaching as it is embedded in school curricula. Such a theory is needed to support research on the integrated approach to teaching information skills and knowledge construction within the framework of inquiry learning. Part 1 of this paper, in the previous issue, built a foundation for emerging theory, which established user-centric information behavior and constructivist learning theory as the substantive theory behind evidence based library instruction in schools. Part 2 continues to build on the Information Search Process and Guided Inquiry as foundational to studying the information-to-knowledge connection and the concepts of help and intervention characteristic of 21st century school library instruction. Methods – This paper examines the purpose and methodology of action research as a tool of evidence based instruction. This is accomplished through the explication of three components of theory-building: paradigm, substantive research, and metatheory. Evidence based practice is identified as the paradigm that contributes values and assumptions about school library instruction. It establishes the role of evidence in teaching and learning, linking theory and practice. Action research, as a tool of evidence based practice is defined as the synthesis of authentic learning, or performance-based assessment practices that continuously generate evidence throughout the inquiry unit of instruction and traditional data collection methods typically used in formal research. This paper adds social psychology theory from Lewin’s work, which contributes methodology from Gestalt psychology, field theory, group dynamics, and change theory. For Lewin the purpose of action research was social reform, while action research in education targeted self through the improvement of practice. The dichotomy between purposes of self and society is resolved by the Lewin-Dewey connection, where the reiterative cycle of action and reflection is the basis for a common intent for both types of action research. Dewey’s approach comprises the metatheory for emerging theory: a philosophy of purpose and methodology that determines how the research is done. Results – The emerging theory developed in this paper postulates that evidence based information literacy instruction uses action research for two purposes. Self-oriented action research (AR(S1)) targets self-improvement on the local level of teaching and learning in school libraries; social-oriented action research (AR(S2)) targets social reform on the global level of educational improvement. Corollaries of the theory indicate a research agenda and methodologies for the research. Conclusion – Implicit in the content of the research is methodology that evolves from the distinction between the purposes of self- and social-oriented action research. Clearly, evidence is generated in the field of teaching and learning that is situated in theory-based practices, such as user-centered information processing, constructivist learning, and a culture of inquiry that grows from social processes. Librarianship is well suited to developing practitioner-researchers who are proficient in making the information-to-knowledge connection that informs their professional performance.

Critical Pedagogy In Libraries: A Unified Approach

2017 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Melissa M. Gustafson
Keyword(s):  
Critical Pedagogy ◽  
Information Literacy ◽  
Literacy Instruction ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Academic Publishing ◽  
Unified Approach ◽  
Information Literacy Instruction ◽  
Scholarly Communications ◽  
Paolo Friere ◽  
Foundational Work

Critical pedagogy originated in the social sciences during the mid-twentieth century with the foundational work of Paolo Friere. More recently in information science, James Elmborg and others have framed critical pedagogy through the lens of information literacy instruction. As a whole the philosophy is one which considers economic, political, and societal systems which influence the entire information life cycle from creation to consumption. Central to the adoption was the incorporation of learners as equals with valid and highly individualized experiences in academic discourse. Beyond information literacy instruction, critical pedagogy has the potential to also benefit and define the librarian's outreach and support role for the scholarly communications process. Scholarly communications encompasses both traditional academic publishing models (peer reviewed journals, conference presentations, etc.) and nontraditional channels (social media, open access, etc.) and is concerned with the information lifecycle as it relates to teaching research and scholarly work. In consideration of scholarly communications processes, issues of critical pedagogy including external market forces, privilege of information, systems of access, and consumption all play a defining role. A move to a more unified approach of critical pedagogy in libraries would highlight crucial issues of information literacy and scholarly communications while simultaneously augmenting the library's role across campus. The evolution of critical pedagogy in libraries is briefly discussed. Current scholarly communications practices in academic libraries as seen through the literature and by examining U.S. library websites is also reviewed. The author makes suggestions for meaningful inclusion of critical pedagogy in libraries through a unified approach to scholarly communications and information literacy programs.

A Longitudinal Analysis of Information Literacy Instruction in Canadian Academic Libraries

2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heidi Julien
Keyword(s):  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Information Literacy ◽  
National Survey ◽  
Longitudinal Analysis ◽  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Literacy Instruction ◽  
The Third ◽  
Information Literacy Instruction ◽  
Étude Longitudinale ◽  
Etude Longitudinale

This paper reports a longitudinal study of information literacy instruction (ILI) in Canadian academic libraries, focusing on how instruction is organized, delivered, and evaluated. Results of the third national survey (1995, 2000, and 2005) of ILI are detailed. This research is intended to increase understanding of and to improve ILI.Cet article présente une étude longitudinale sur la formation en recherche d’information (FRI) dans les bibliothèques universitaires canadiennes et est axé sur la manière dont la formation est organisée, offerte et évaluée. Les résultats du troisième sondage national (1995, 2000, 2005) de la FRI sont présentés en détail. Cette recherche est destinée à améliorer la compréhension de la FRI dans le but de son amélioration. 

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