The Larger Picture
Information literacy is not just a priority for librarians, it has been recognized as a valuable skill by the larger higher education community.
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Standards for Accreditation and Requirements of Affiliation (Standard III.5.b.)
Association of College and Research Libraries
Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education
Project Information Literacy
Information Literacy
RLB defines information literacy as a constantly refined practice of processing, accessing, understanding, critically evaluating, and using information in ways that are relevant to one’s life. This practice involves iterative learning that occurs throughout an individual’s lifetime and encompasses not only foundational literacies but also aspects of digital literacy and media literacy.1
Program Mission Statement
The RLB Library Information Literacy Program will create students capable of successfully and responsibly finding, evaluating, synthesizing and using information in both academic and non-academic contexts
Program Vision
Students at the University of Baltimore arrive with a variety of experiences and skill levels. The information literacy program meets student needs through:
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Scaffolded practice in the UBalt curriculum
Because information literacy is a practice that develops and deepens over time, it should be incorporated into multiple points in the curriculum from 100 to 400 level classes both in and out of a student's major for undergraduates and as part of graduate work. These practice points should be intentionally designed with increasing levels of complexity.
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Flexible instruction using best practices for engagement
Information literacy instruction can be included in classes taught in all modalities, including BeeFlex. Regardless of modality, instruction will be incorporate active learning, accessible design, and elements of critical pedagogy that enhance student engagment and learning.
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Collaboration with faculty to design learning experiences outside the classroom
Students can only learn so much in a single session with a librarian during a course. Information literacy instruction at UBalt should include interaction with library faculty beyond direct instruction in a way that is co-created with disciplinary faculty. Examples include, assignments and quizzes, student research meetings with library faculty, or flipped classroom techniques.
If you have questions about the RLB library's information literacy program, please contact the Head of Information Literacy Initiatives:
Stephen "Mike" Kiel
skiel@ubalt.edu
410-837-4236
1 Adapted from Taylor, N. G., & Jaeger, P. T. (2022). Foundations of information literacy. ALA Neal-Schuman.