Information Literacy Instruction @ PSC 

According to the Association of College and Research Libraries, "Information Literacy is the set of skills needed to find, retrieve, analyze, and use information".  Essentially, information literacy combines the specialized techniques of searching print and electronic information resources with certain thinking skills - analytical thinking, strategic thinking, critical thinking, and decision making - applied to solving problems using information.  

Is computer literacy necessary for information literacy?  You bet!  Accessing the today's world of electronic information over the Internet and other networks and in the library itself certainly requires one to know how to operate a computer and to use a Web browser to access electronic resources.  However, being computer literate does not make one proficient in dealing with information.  First and foremost, the analytical and critical thinking skills associated with information literacy enable one to be a successful information researcher and user.  Second, the techniques associated with electronic and print  information retrieval are specialized skills irrespective of the skills needed to operate a computer.  Information literacy thinking processes (such as articulating an information need as a research problem, search strategy development, choosing the best research tools and information formats, and evaluating information) and specialized technical skills (such as Boolean searching, advanced search engine use and understanding subject classification systems) are usually not addressed in a computer literacy curriculum.  These processes and skills comprise the information literacy curriculum and drive information literacy learning outcomes. 

PSC instructor's are encouraged to make information literacy part of their curriculum regardless of the courses taught.  The libraries provide a variety of course integrated information literacy instruction options.  

Option A:       Information Literacy Modules

Module 1 - Library Resources

Module 2 - Databases  *

Module 3 - Internet Resources *

* The Lakeland campus library has an 18 seat information literacy computer classroom.  If you have a larger class, please consider breaking the instruction up into two sessions.   As another option for larger classes, we encourage faculty to reserve a computer classroom for database and Internet research instruction.  Call Room Reservations at 297-1010, Ext. 5050 for Winter Haven and Lakeland room reservations.  Be sure to let us know what room you've reserved when you make your request for instruction.

Option B:       General Overview of Library Resources

Option C:       Resource, Subject, or Assignment Specific Instruction

Option D:       Open Research

Scroll to the next box to view the descriptions and outcomes for each option listed above.

How to Request Course Integrated Information Literacy Instruction:

LIS-2004:  Introduction to Internet Research - Dazzled and frustrated by the quantity and quality of research results from the Internet?  Get off your board and stop surfing!  Learn the techniques that the pro's use to research the net.  This 1 credit course is offered each fall and spring and is a 100% on-line course. 

LIS-1002:  Basic Library and Information Skills - Designed as a short course to be taken during the first several weeks of the fall or spring semesters, in LIS-1002 the student will learn to effectively us an academic library and its resources, as well as the skills needed to successfully utilize the library's many electronic research tools including the on-line catalog, electronic databases, and the library's Web site. 

MODULE DESCRIPTIONS & LEARNING OUTCOMES 

Option A:  Information Literacy Modules

Module 1 - Library Resources:  students will be introduced to the organization of the academic library, academic library services, using the on-line catalog to access the physical collections of the library, and print reference resources.  This module is conducted at your campus library.

Module 2 - Electronic Databases:  students will be introduced to the common types of databases made available through the library, the basic concepts for conducting database research (i.e. field searching, controlled vocabulary vs. key word  searching, Boolean searching, limiting, etc.), and will understand the difference between database resources and the resources of the World Wide Web.  This module is most effective when it is conducted in a computer classroom where students can gain valuable guided hands-on experience.  Instructors requesting this option should reserve a computer classroom by contacting Sharon Bevis at 297-1010, Ext. 5050 well in advance of the scheduled session.  Please be sure to note the computer classroom number on the request form.  If a computer classroom isn't available, this session can be conducted in the library.  We will attempt to reserve a video projector for the session, but again, advance notice will ensure the availability of a projector.  NOTE:  It is assumed that students have achieved a basic level of computer literacy using the Windows operating system and are familiar with using a World Wide Web browser such as Netscape or Microsoft Internet Explorer..  

Module 3 - Internet Research:  students will be introduced to terminology and search techniques common to Internet search engines, including techniques used narrow search results and achieve higher degrees of result relevancy.  Students will learn skills and techniques used to evaluate the quality of information retrieved over the Internet and will recognize data and information needed for Internet citation documentation.  Instructors requesting this option should reserve a computer classroom by contacting Sharon Bevis at 297-1010, Ext. 5050 well in advance of the scheduled session.  Please be sure to note the computer classroom number on the request form.  If a computer classroom isn't available, this session can be conducted in the library.  We will attempt to reserve a video projector for the session, but again, advance notice will ensure the availability of a projector.  NOTE:  It is assumed that students have achieved a basic level of computer literacy using the Windows operating system and are familiar with using a World Wide Web browser such as Netscape or Microsoft Internet Explorer.

Option B:  General Overview of Library Resources

Students will be exposed to the organization of the library and the print and electronic resources provided to students.  Students will understand the types of materials available in the library's physical collections and will know what tools to use to access these materials.  Students will be introduced to the services available to them at the library and will be exposed the variety of electronic resources available, including the library's Web site.  This option is conducted at your campus library during a single class period.

Option C:  Resource, Subject, or Assignment Specific Instruction 

Students will be oriented to a specific resource or research tool, or set of resources or research tools, to support research in a particular subject area, to master the use of the designated resource or tool, or to complete the research and information gathering phase of a specific assignment.

Option D:  Open Research

Students will have the opportunity to utilize the class period to work on individual or group projects under direction of the course instructor and consultation from Reference Librarian.  Open research is recommended as a follow-up to information literacy instruction.

VIDEO TUTORIALS:

The Information Cycle: How Today's Events are Tomorrow's Information
Penn State University Libraries

Diagnosis Plagiarism: Part 1
Diagnosis Plagiarism: Part 2
Yavapai College Library

Concept Mapping: How to Start Your Term Research Paper
Douglas College Library

Popular vs. Scholarly Periodicals
Peabody Library, Vanderbilt University, 2007

How to Read a Library of Congress Call Number
University of Arkansas Libraries

INTERACTIVE TUTORIALS:

Library of Congress Call Number Tutorial
Kent State University Library

SatchLCall-Library of Congress Call Number
System Tutorial
Michael Ford and University of Pitsburgh

EMPOWER: Information Literacy
Witchita State University Libraries

Introduction to LINCCWeb (PSC's online catalog and database access)
College Center for Library Automation, Tallahassee, FL

Boolean Searching on the Internet with a Primer in Boolean Searching
Cohen, Laura B.  InternetTutorials.  2009

Despite the hype, information on the Internet can often be inaccurate, out of date, misleading, or just plain wrong.  Always think critically when using the open WWW for scholarly research or use sites referenced or recommended by acknowledged experts in the fields being researched.

Thinking Critically About World Wide Web Resources

UCLA Libraries 

or
Hoax? Scholarly Research? Personal Opinion? You Decide!

Media Awareness Network