The ability to identify and reframe problems; to gather relevant evidence in an expanding universe of options; to think critically about information and extract from sources relevant evidence or data; to synthesize information in the development of solutions and/or new evidence; and to communicate findings to a variety of audiences using appropriate discourse methods and ethical approaches to intellectual property and evolving copyright laws, are among the earmarks of the educated 21st century world citizen.
As educational institutions move from content-driven teaching to student-centered learning approaches in an effort to produce diverse, intellectually nimble graduates capable of self-directed learning across the lifespan, it will be increasingly important to provide learners with opportunities to engage the information environment as a formal part of their curriculum.
Information literacy is a set of competencies allowing individuals to recognize when information is needed and to locate, evaluate, and use effectively the needed information.
The Library seeks to promote information literacy by educating students to understand the organization of knowledge, to gather data of all kinds using both print and information technology resources and to evaluate the relevance and authority of information in all its forms. The Library provides resources and services in an environment that fosters free and open inquiry and serves as a catalyst for the interpretation, integration, and application of knowledge in all fields of learning. The information literacy program crosses disciplines and addresses all environments and individual differences in learning. It emphasizes the critical thinking and evaluative skills that form the basis for lifelong learning and that develop a more self-directed, independent learner.
The Library also educates individual students and faculty at the reference desk and in individualized consultations by appointment. We strive to make each of these encounters an educational experience. In these settings we reinforce information literacy concepts from prior instruction and give students further opportunities for guided practice.
Adopted by the Library Faculty, July 2004
