Information Literacy

Information Literacy Sessions

Librarians are available to meet with classes throughout the academic year, either in the instructor’s classroom or in the iLab on the main level of the library. We can work with students on everything from developing research topics and effective database search strategies to synthesizing information and evaluating sources. While these sessions are required for Writing Emphasis courses, librarians would be happy to meet with any course offered at Westminster. Interested in scheduling an information literacy session for your class?

Schedule an Information Literacy Session

About the Information Literacy Program

The mission of Giovale Library's Information Literacy program is to build a community of lifelong learners and collaborate with faculty to support university-wide learning goals. The program empowers students to navigate a complex information environment by challenging them to ask questions; evaluate, analyze, and synthesize sources; and create new knowledge through their research. By encouraging them to approach research as a process of exploration and discovery, we will help students at different levels of ability as they become part of the broader academic mission and use information for their ongoing academic, professional, and personal success.

Information Literacy Requirement in Writing Emphasis Courses

The Information Literacy program is a requirement for all writing emphasis courses in the WCore. Librarians work with faculty to integrate library workshops and assignments into their classes. Information Literacy program curriculum is course-specific and serves as a basic introduction to university concepts. In all writing emphasis courses, Information Literacy program assignments are developed and assessed by librarians and included as a part of the course grade.

Information Literacy Sessions in Non-Writing Emphasis Courses

Librarians will work with faculty from any discipline to develop instruction that helps students perform library research for a particular assignment while using resources and research skills appropriate to the discipline. Generally, faculty are encouraged to schedule a session in anticipation of a research paper or project, so students can directly apply what they learn in the session.

Information Literacy Learning Outcomes for the Giovale Library Instruction Program

Upon leaving Westminster University, students will be able to:

• Refine their interest in a subject or topic idea into an appropriate research question
• Plan and conduct a search strategy using a combination of skills and make adjustments therein based on search results
• Access and select sources which are relevant to their information needs
• Critique information in a variety of formats by asking relevant questions about the source’s origins, perspectives, authority, and purpose within the context of an information need
• Synthesize ideas gathered from multiple sources with their own thoughts and conclusions
• Recognize the importance of proper attribution of information within scholarly writing and research