Library Information Literacy Program 2021-2022
The following observations were made at the end of Fall 2021 semester:
- Students were performing poorly on identifying the elements of an MLA journal citation in the ENG 101 and HIS 101 library assignments.
- ACRL academic librarians are recommending promoting lateral reading as a method of evaluating sources in addition to/replacing traditional recommendation such as the CRAAP test and using MLA suggestions guide alone. See Stanford study “Lateral Reading: Reading Less and Learning More When Evaluating Digital Information.”
In response to Summer and Fall 2021 observations, the following changes were made to the ENG 101, HIS 101, and PN information literacy programs for Winter 2022:
- The following slide identifying the elements of the MLA/APA citation was added to the assignment immediately before the citation questions.
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- Lateral reading video and handout from University of Louisville on Evaluating Materials tab was put into ENG 101, HIS 101, and PN information literacy programs.
The following observations were made at the end of Winter 2022:
- Students performed better on identifying elements of a citation after including new explanation slide in assignment.
- Students did not improve recognizing an authoritative site after adding lateral reading video. Are students even watching the video? A few students referred to the video in their answers. For example, a student in HIS 101 made the following comment: “I believe this to be a reliable source of information because the website presents no ads and when conducting a lateral reading search, I have found other articles stating its legitimacy.” (Italics added.)
In response to Summer 2021, Fall 2021, and Winter 2022 responses, changes were made which included:
Information Literacy assessment lacked in the following ways since Covid forced nearly the whole program to move online:
- Pre- and post-IL class assessment did not occur.
- The total number of students attending ENG 101/HIS 101 classes to number who completed course were not calculated.
Goals for 2022-2023 Information Literacy Program
- Create an online pre- and post-IL test.
- Reach out to more faculty to have their classes participate in the program.
