Overview

Instructing students and faculty in the effective use of information resources is central to the mission of Geisel Library. To this end, the library has established a tiered instructional program designed to cultivate information literacy in students. Starting with mandatory sessions in First Year Writing, librarians teach instruction sessions for students at multiple stages of their undergraduate careers. These sessions build upon one another, ensuring that students gain an increasing level of sophistication with performing college-level research.

The session objectives at each level of the program are tied explicitly to the standards/framework of information literacy advocated by the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL). Sessions for intermediate and advanced-level classes are tailored to specific projects, teaching students the important resources and research techniques needed in their chosen disciplines. The tiered program culminates in advanced research sessions for capstone courses in many of the college's academic departments. The program's success is gauged by measuring outcomes of student learning.

    Levels of Information Literacy Instruction

    Information literacy skill development is scaffolded across four levels. See below for more details.

    • New Student Orientation
    • First Year Writing EN105
    • Intermediate level: Discipline-Specific Instruction
    • Advanced level: Capstone Projects

    Primary Modes of Instruction

    • Course-integrated classroom instruction
    • Modules embedded in Canvas
    • Create and maintain Subject and Course Guides
    • Create and maintain Research Guides and Video Tutorials
    • Create and maintain Faculty Resources Guides

    Evaluation and Assessment

    There are a variety of approaches to assessing student acquisition of information literacy skills. Please contact Geisel Library for examples of evaluation metrics.

    Other Modes of Instruction

    Instruction takes place in many ways using a variety of teaching methods, including:

    • Reference Desk instruction
    • Individual reference appointments
    • Faculty collaboration and consultation
    • Specialized workshops

    Description of Information Literacy Instruction Levels

    Description

    We participates in Orientation activities for first-year and transfer students during the summer months and in January. Orientation consists of a short presentation to introduce students the library's services and resources. 

    Goal

    Students will be able to:

    Demonstrate an understanding that the library provides space, information resources, and personalized help to support their needs.