Information Literacy is the ability by an
individual "to recognize when information is needed and have the ability
to locate, evaluate, and use effectively the needed information."
American Library Association. Presidential
Committee on Information Literacy. Final Report. 1989.
http://www.ala.org/acrl/nili/ilit1st.html
(10 May 2001)
Library and Information Literacy
has been embraced by the University as part of the Information
and Technology Proficiency. The Reference Librarians at Simpson
Library provide a variety of instructional opportunities for students, faculty,
and staff of the University of Mary Washington to become information literate
citizens.
Our Library Instruction program includes:
TALON
This online, Web-based instructional tool for information literacy is
a component of the Information and Technology Proficiency
requirement that all freshmen, transfer, and graduate students entering UMW
Fall 2001 or after must complete. TALON is openly available for use by anyone
who wishes an introduction to library
and information research skills, and its modular nature allows individuals
to refresh their skills in a specific area of the research process or use
individual component areas as quick help while doing research. Each module
includes a set of expected learning outcomes.
Course-Related Instruction
The Departmental Liaison Librarians are
happy to provide classroom library instruction sessions for individual courses.
Sessions may provide general overviews of research in a particular field or
may be tailored to specific resources or assignments as needed.
LIBS 101: Library and Internet Resources
Taught in Simpson Library by librarians, this 1 credit course is offered
each semester.
Course Description: Introduction to university library resources with
emphasis on techniques of research, particularly on the World Wide Web.
Students
learn the basics of library and information literacy and become proficient
in finding, using, and evaluating information in both print and electronic
formats.
UMW
Course Catalog entry
Web-Based Materials
The Library's website provides numerous Subject
Guides consisting of electronic and print resources geared to specific disciplines,
Class Resource Pages (located in the corresponding Subject Guide), and other
instructional materials accessible from the Research
Databases and the How Do
I...? sections as well as from other appropriate locations.
Reference Desk/Point-of-Use Instruction
As a teaching library, we offer point-of-use instruction at the Reference
Desk when assisting users, explaining the process involved in locating information
or teaching the use of specific resources.
Research Appointments
The Departmental Liaison Librarians are
happy to make appointments with faculty, staff, or students requiring personalized
or additional assistance with their research.
Ask A Librarian
This email reference service provides an opportunity for the university
community to request assistance with questions. Explanations of the process
involved
in locating answers or using specific resources are included in all replies.
LIBR 210: Internet Searching
This 1 1/2 hour workshop is part of the University's Instructional Technology
training program offered to faculty, staff, and students.
