Information Literacy at the UI Libraries
Defining Information Literacy:
“Information literacy is the set of integrated abilities encompassing the reflective discovery of information, the understanding of how information is produced and valued, and the use of information in creating new knowledge and participating ethically in communities of learning.”
–The Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) Framework for IL in Higher Education
The UI Libraries approach to developing students’ information literacy skills is rooted in the six core information literacy frames or concepts set out by ACRL’s Framework for Information Literacy in Higher Education. The subsequent goals and student learning outcomes for library instruction are guided by these frames and the mission of the University and the UI Libraries.
Six Core Information Literacy Concepts
Authority is Constructed and Contextual
The credibility of information depends on its origin, the specific need for the information, and its intended use. Authority is both constructed and contextual. It should be approached with informed skepticism, embracing new perspectives, diverse voices, and evolving ideas.
Information Creation as a Process
Information, regardless of its format, is created to communicate a message and is distributed through chosen channels. The processes of researching, creating, revising, and sharing information are iterative and diverse, resulting in products that reflect these variations.
Information Has Value
Information holds multiple dimensions of value: as a commodity, a tool for education, a means of influence, and a way to negotiate and understand the world. Its flow through production and dissemination systems is shaped by legal, sociopolitical, and economic factors.
Research as Inquiry
Research is an iterative process that relies on posing increasingly complex or new questions. The answers to these questions lead to further inquiries, expanding knowledge within or across disciplines.
Scholarship as Conversation
Scholarship as Conversation highlights the ongoing dialogues within communities of scholars, researchers, and professionals. New insights and discoveries emerge over time through the interplay of diverse perspectives and interpretations.
Searching as Strategic Exploration
Searching for information is often nonlinear, involving the evaluation of diverse sources and the flexibility to explore different paths as new insights emerge. It requires employing various search strategies tailored to the sources, scope, and context of the information need.