Our vision is to build a vibrant culture of information literacy that is integrated into the core curriculum of our college. We believe that information literacy is not a one-time skill but an ongoing process essential for academic success and lifelong learning. This instruction includes generative AI, as that has become an important part of information literacy today. Librarians work collaboratively with faculty to embed information literacy instruction at key moments in the student journey, ensuring that every student graduates with the critical skills needed to navigate a rapidly evolving and complex information landscape. 

First Year Information Literacy Program

The goals for the First Year (FYS) Information Literacy Program include:

  • Support student’s growth as writers and researchers in a new academic environment.
  • Promote equity among learners by teaching step by step research pedagogy.
  • Support FYS teaching faculty in achieving the FYS learning goals laid out in Information For Faculty (IFF).
    • Read, interpret, analyze and evaluate primary and secondary source materials 
    • Engage in subject-appropriate research 
    • Present ideas in a clear and convincing manner in oral and written formats (and non-verbal formats, when appropriate) 
    • Improve their writing through assignments that require revising and editing 
    • Demonstrate resourcefulness by identifying and appropriately using college resources to inform course projects.

Information Literacy in the Classroom

Library Liaisons partner with faculty on information literacy instruction - it's some of the most rewarding and important work we do. To make sure every session genuinely serves students, librarians ask faculty to do the following:

  • Plan with the librarian first. Before they confirm any session, librarians ask for a brief conversation to connect the instruction to course goals, assignments, and students. More lead time means a better session. Librarians request at least one week’s notice.
  • Be there. Having the faculty member present matters. When faculty are engaged, students are too. If the faculty member can’t be there, it is important to talk ahead of time so the session feels grounded in the course.
  • Give it real class time. Library instruction works best when it's treated as a core part of any class, not a last-minute addition or a filler before a break.

When these pieces are in place, librarians and faculty can do their best work together. If these requests are not met, there may be a need to reschedule.

    Advanced Research: Thesis Research Support 

    For students beginning SIPs or honors projects, we suggest a combination of a class visit followed by individual appointments with the librarian. Students can book an appointment with a librarian and are allowed year-long borrowing privileges for materials. The libraries also maintain a digital repository of student thesis work.

    Topics:

    • Field trips to research libraries at neighboring institutions
    • International research assistance
    • Digital scholarship and open publishing 
    • Archives and special collections research