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Information Literacy: Mission Statement
The Ellender Memorial Library adheres to the Information Literacy Competency Standards for Higher Education as approved by the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL). ACRL defines Information Literacy as forming "the basis for lifelong learning [for it] ... enables learners to master context and extend their investigations, become more self-directed, and assume greater control over their own learning."
According to ACRL, an information literate individual is able to
determine the extent of information needed
access the needed information effectively and efficiently, using a variety of print and electronic formats
evaluate information critically, especially when dealing with the World Wide Web
use information effectively to accomplish a specific purpose, such as writing a report, paper, or article
incorporate selected information into a knowledge base (lifelong learning)
understand the economic, legal, ethical and social issues surrounding the use of information, including the issues of plagiarism, falsification, and copyright infringement
Rationale
Students who are assigned projects requiring library research often lack basic library skills and/or are overwhelmed by the diversity of library resources, especially since the dawn of digital information technology. Ellender Memorial's instruction program attempts to teach them Research Methodology, i.e., how to use both print and electronic information resources, which should also help them develop skills in lifelong Information Literacy. This requires an introduction to library resources and services, and an introduction into the principles and methodology of designing and interpeting effective searches in library databases and on the World Wide Web. Our overall objective is to support the university curriculum and participate in the academic communication process.
Goals and Objectives (Outcomes)
The Information Literacy Program attempts to meet the outcomes outlined on our Goals and Objectives page.
Methodology
Our primary modes of instruction are
general tours
web-based instructional tutorials
web-based subject guides, tailored to address specific courses and interests, to help navigate through resources
research instruction, in the form of scheduled classes and On the Fly Classes
These modes of instruction provide a step-by-step guide to the research process. They introduce students to the resources and search strategies most appropriate for their assignments and level of expertise.
Direct comments and suggestions to:
Tony Fonseca
Serials Librarian
325 Ellender Memorial Library
Phone: 985-448-4675
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