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Library Instruction Program

The Library Instruction Program & Information Literacy

To schedule an instruction session please contact Molly Beestrum at 708-524-6886 or mbeestrum@dom.edu.

Library Instruction plays an integral part in developing lifelong learning and critical thinking skills in students of all ages. At the core of library instruction is the set of skills encompassed by the term "Information Literacy". The skills included are defined below but can be summed up in the terms: know, access, evaulate, and legally and ethically use information. A set of standards were developed by the American

Library Assocation and the Association of College and Research Libraries and are described below.

"Developing lifelong learners is central to the mission of higher education institutions. By ensuring that individuals have the intellectual abilities of reasoning and critical thinking, and by helping them construct a framework for learning how to learn, colleges and universities provide the foundation for continued growth throughout their careers, as well as in their roles as informed citizens and members of communities. Information literacy is a key component of, and contributor to, lifelong learning. Information literacy competency extends learning beyond formal classroom settings and provides practice with self-directed investigations as individuals move into internships, first professional positions, and increasing responsibilities in all arenas of life."
- ACRL Website August, 2006

Information Literacy Instruction

The primary goals of Information Literacy as mandated by the ACRL standards are:

• To determine the nature and extent of the information needed
• To access needed information effectively and efficiently
• To evaluate information and its sources critically and incorporate selected information into his or her knowledge base and value system
• To use information effectively to accomplish a specific purpose, individually or as a member of a group
• To understand many of the economic, legal, and social issues surrounding the use of information and accesses and to use information ethically and legally

In an effort to create a tiered instruction program Information Literacy instruction has been implemented across the curriculum for undergraduate students. Information literacy is one of the Foundation Requirements at Dominican University and must be completed before graduation. The basic instruction is incorporated into English 102 or the alternative workshops for students who do not take this course.

The librarians also offer instruction to a large variety of classes at the request of instructors, give tours and orientations for incoming students, and meet with groups as requested. Course related instruction occurs across the curriculum from Freshmen Seminar classes to 400 level Psychology courses. Each instruction session is tailored to the needs of the students and research requirements for each class.

In order to support the academic needs and to increase lifelong learning for faculty, staff and students instruction is made available to everyone interested. One on one consultation with reference and instruction librarians can be made by appointment.