Beyond basic skills in information literacy instruction

CHICAGO — Librarians know that information literacy is much more complex and nuanced than the basic library research skill that it’s often portrayed as; in fact, as outlined by the ACRL Framework, research is a contextual activity. But the settings in which we teach often constrain our ability to take a more layered approach. “Using Context in Information Literacy Instruction: Beyond Basic Skills,” published by ALA Editions, not only shows you how to teach information literacy as something other than a basic skill, but also how to do it in whatever mode of teaching you’re most often engaged in, whether that’s a credit-bearing course, a one-shot session, a tutorial, a reference desk interaction, or a library program. Taking you through each step of the research process, author Allison Hosier shares ideas for adding context while exploring topics such as:

• how conversations about context can be integrated into lessons on common information literacy topics;
• examples of the six genres of research and suggested course outlines for each;
• ensuring that context strategies fit within the ACRL Framework;
• questions for reflection in teaching each step of the research process;
• four different roles that sources can play when researching a topic;
• helping students refine a topic that is drawing too many or too few sources;
• cultivating students to become good decision-makers for the best type of research sources to use depending on their need; and
• how to address the shortcomings of checklist tools like the CRAAP test.

Hosier is an instructor and scholar of information literacy at the University at Albany, SUNY. Her current scholarship focuses on studying and thinking about research as an activity with important contextual implications. She writes about her work regularly on her website Studying Research.

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