Research Guides Information Literacy Instruction For Your Classes

Leo Migdal

-Dec 12, 2025, 4:04 AM

research guides information literacy instruction for your classes

Information literacy is the set of critical thinking skills necessary to locate and use information effectively. Information literacy means knowing when you need information, knowing where to look for it, how to find it, and how to evaluate it. Information literacy skills are required not only for class assignments but also for lifelong learning, which goes far beyond the classroom. Information literacy skills are not learned in one class session but are cumulative and are refined through practice. 1. Students will be able to define an information need in order to construct an effective research strategy.

2. Students will be able to construct an effective research strategy in order to identify and select relevant information sources. Kathryn A. Martin Library 416 Library Drive Duluth, MN 55812 United States Information literacy encompasses more than using library tools. Navigating our current information ecosystem requires engagement with “a richer, more complex set of core ideas.” (ACRL Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education).

Defined by the Framework, information literacy is “the set of integrated abilities [and knowledge] encompassing the reflective discovery of information, the understanding of how information is produced and valued, and the use of information... UMD librarians have developed a set of questions to guide instruction that supports engagement with the core concepts of information literacy. In Understanding by Design, Wiggins and McTighe define these essential questions as “provocative questions that foster inquiry, understanding, and transfer of learning” (22). Their purpose is to encourage engagement and exploration of the questions rather than answers. Librarians use these questions to define our priorities, inform instructional design, and facilitate ongoing engagement with key ideas. Designing library instruction around essential questions:

Invite collaboration with a subject librarian who specializes in the discipline(s) of your class to offer information literacy instruction and support for your students. Together, you will discuss your course and discover connections between course content and the Library’s essential questions. Based on these conversations, the librarian will design instruction that integrates information literacy into your course and facilitates exploration of one or more relevant essential questions. Are your students drowning in information? Can they spot misinformation and "fake news?" With a plethora of information available at their fingertips, information literacy skills have never been more critical. You have likely heard of information literacy but may be unsure how to define it.

You may have questions such as: Is information literacy important for my students? What learning bottlenecks might students experience related to information literacy? How can I effectively help my students to develop their information literacy? This guide defines information literacy, outlines core information literacy concepts, identifies common information literacy-related challenges that students may face, and provides teaching strategies and activities aimed at helping you to incorporate information literacy into... The term information literacy has been used for over 40 years, with various definitions proposed during this period. In 2016, the Association of College & Research Libraries (ACRL) published the Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education and included the following definition:

Information literacy is the set of integrated abilities encompassing the reflective discovery of information, the understanding of how information is produced and valued, and the use of information in creating new knowledge and participating... Information Literacy, as defined by the American Library Association, is "the set of integrated abilities encompassing the reflective discovery of information, the understanding of how information is produced and valued, and the use of... As a guide for librarians, instructors, and institutional partners, the Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education, approved by the Association of College & Research Libraries (ACRL) in 2016, six frames, each consisting of... Authority Is Constructed and Contextual: Information resources reflect their creators’ expertise and credibility, and are evaluated based on the information need and the context in which the information will be used. Authority is constructed in that various communities may recognize different types of authority. It is contextual in that the information need may help to determine the level of authority required.

Information Creation as a Process: Information in any format is produced to convey a message and is shared via a selected delivery method. The iterative processes of researching, creating, revising, and disseminating information vary, and the resulting product reflects these differences Information Has Value: Information possesses several dimensions of value, including as a commodity, as a means of education, as a means to influence, and as a means of negotiating and understanding the world. Legal and socioeconomic interests influence information production and dissemination. The Association of College & Research Libraries' (ACRL) Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education states, "Information literacy is the set of integrated abilities encompassing the reflective discovery of information, the understanding of how... The six concepts that anchor the frames are listed here in alphabetical order:

The links for each concept above include learning objectives and classroom activities from PALNI (Private Academic Library Network of Indiana). Library faculty have also created some materials you can incorporate into your courses: One of the learning outcomes for our First Year Seminars states "You will locate, critically assess, and ethically use informational sources." We know individuals will continue to develop their information literacy skills beyond FYS... How can you tell if your students are making progress on this learning outcome? Wittenberg library faculty have identified key first year skills that will lay a foundation to enable students to grow their information literacy skills in upper level coursework and beyond. Library and Research Basics: An introduction to the library is covered in our asynchronous option (Research Tutorials) but can also be covered face to face based on availability.

A Resource for UMD Teaching Faculty, Instructors, and Teaching Assistants Although we wish a librarian could be embedded in every course, there are limits even to a librarian's power! These materials are intended to support UMD Teaching Faculty, Instructors, and Teaching Assistants across disciplines in incorporating information literacy into their courses. Looking to collaborate with a librarian to design an instruction session or an activity for your course? Please visit the Subject Specialist Directory and contact the librarian assigned to your school or college. Is this toolkit missing something?

Email libues@umd.edu and let us know! We are always developing new materials and are happy to take suggestions for new topics. This toolkit is developed and maintained by the University of Maryland Libraries Teaching and Learning Services Unit. Last update: October 22, 2025 According to the Association of College & Research Libraries' "Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education": "Information literacy is the set of integrated abilities encompassing the reflective discovery of information, the understanding of how information is produced and valued, and the use of information in creating new knowledge and participating...

The ACRL's "Framework" is a pivotal set of ideas, goals, and benchmarks for information literacy pedagogy. The six concepts that anchor the Framework are: Our research and information literacy classes, tutorials, and other learning objects are all anchored in one or more of these core concepts. Research & Instruction Librarians will work with your students on research strategies and concepts directly tied to a research assignment for a class. We look at the holistic research needs and don't confine discussions to "library resources." Our expertise lies in our ability to help students navigate and think critically about an increasingly complex information ecosystem, which... The Information Literacy Teaching Toolkit is a collection of resources that teaching faculty/instructors can use to help plan or implement information literacy concepts and assignments in classes.

These resources can help you scaffold research skills into your classes and think of new ways to assign research projects. You can also request instruction from a W&L librarian. Washington and Lee University Library 204 West Washington Street Lexington, Virginia 24450 library@wlu.edu (540) 458-8643 Though you may not realize, you are probably already teaching your students some components of information literacy! When you teach students how to assess sources for research projects, how to decide where to research, and even how to cite sources, you are helping them build a foundation of information literacy. With the rising prominence of misinformation, disinformation, and fake news, now might be a good time to incorporate even more explicit lessons on how to cultivate information literacy.

Though hopefully all of the information in this guide is useful to you, here are some resources directly related to teaching information literacy. Librarians can help your students learn the best ways to find and evaluate information by providing library instruction tailored to your course. Librarians can create custom-designed sessions to help your students learn about specific resources and research strategies. Request an instruction session using our Library Instruction Request Form. For more information on Library Instruction offerings, visit our Faculty Library Guide. NB: Your Pratt login is required to view some of these articles.

Research Guides Information Literacy Instruction For Your Classes

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