Improving the Quality of Student Research through Information Literacy

Arianne Hartsell-GundyHumanities Librarian

What Is Information Literacy?

• “Set of competencies that an informed citizen possesses to participate actively in society”

• Five core principles– Recognize the need for information– Determine effective search strategies– Identify appropriate resources– Utilize information resources and library services– Evaluate and analyze info in various formats

• Related to critical thinking

Information Literacy Skills

• Can be seen as a tiered process (analogous to the Miami Plan)

• Students will not be at the same level• More Than Just “Library Skills”

Why does it matter?

• Most students who enter college are not effectively equipped with the skills to:– Correctly cite external sources– Completely avoid plagiarism– Recognize differences (and use of) scholarly

materials– Navigate the vast amount of information available

How does/can this affect you?

• Papers that are not complete/in depth• Poor/undocumented sources• “Borrowed” material• Backwards Research

What can the library do?

In-class/Lab InstructionAssignment Preparation

Online Learning Modules

Library SessionsPersonalized Assistance

Assessment of Skills

(Some) Instruction Options

• Library Instruction– In the library or your classroom– Many timing options– Within assignment context– Follow-up

• Blackboard Embedded Librarian– Virtual Discussions/Help Sessions

(Some) Instruction Options

• Scaffolded Research Assignments– Librarians can assist with design– Ensure quality of research along the way

• TIM Workshops In Your Classroom– Specific to your class

(Some) Instruction Options

• Online Learning: Miami eScholar– http://me.lib.muohio.edu– Academic Integrity and Information Literacy– Final Quiz with Completion Certificate

Instructional Effectiveness

• What do students know?– Information Literacy Perceptions Survey

• How did students achieve?– Incorporate IL into rubrics– Class-specific questionnaires– ePortfolios

Subject Specialist Librarians

• Knowledgeable of your field• Can assist with instruction sessions– Integrated sessions (short sessions, multi classes)

• Can help to create/enhance assignments• Small-group/individual assistance

Questions?• Eric Resnis

Instruction/Information Literacy Coordinator 208 King Library

529-7205 eric.resnis@muohio.edu

• Arianne Hartsell-GundyHumanities Librarian

210 King Library

529-8494 hartsea@muohio.edu