Information Literacy is the ability to find, evaluate, and use information from a range of sources for problem solving, decision making, and research. As such, information literacy encompasses not only the ability to conduct successful research, but also to critically evaluate and ethically incorporate research into academic work, whether that work is a research paper, a service learning project, or a scholarly work.

With the advent of online resources -- library databases, freely available websites, and open-access journals -- knowing how to find, evaluate, and ethically use these kinds of sources is more important than ever before. Librarians at the University of Delaware are committed to working with students and faculty to facilitate the development of information literacy, both among individuals and within the curriculum.

For a more comprehensive description of the information literacy program at the University of Delaware, please read the University of Delaware Library Instruction and Information Literacy Program Statement.

Understanding Information Literacy

• Information Literacy Competency Standards for Higher Education
  Standards developed by the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) Division of the American Library Association.
• Information Literacy for Faculty and Administrators (ACRL)

Assessment

The Library Instruction Program is currently developing an assessment plan which will guide efforts to assess student learning and improve the program over time. In addition, in 2010 the Library Instruction Program conducted a pilot assessment of student learning based on library instruction to English 110 classes.

• Library Assessment Plan (California State University- Northridge)
• Student Learning Outcomes Assessment (University of Maryland)
• Information Literacy Assessment (University of Indiana- Kokomo)

University of Delaware Sites

• Center for Teaching Effectiveness
• Digital Mapping/GIS
• General Education Program (GEP)
• Periodic Review Report (May 2006)
  The University's five-year self assessment submitted to the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
• PRESENT
  The University of Delaware's teaching, learning, and technology center.
• Problem-based Learning (PBL)

Incorporating Information Literacy Into the Curriculum

• Developing Research & Communication Skills: Guidelines for Information Literacy in the Curriculum: Executive Summary
  Guidelines developed by MSCHE (Middle States Commission on Higher Education).
• Assignment Calculator (University of Minnesota)
• Information Competence for the Discipline of Black Studies

Organizations

• Association of College and Research Libraries
  The Division within the American Library Association that deals with issues relating to libraries and higher education.
• Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools
  The accrediting association for this region.
• Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
  The commission of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools dealing with issues relating to higher education.