Information Literacy

The concept of information literacy is an extension of traditional methods of introducing users to library resources and their instructional, research, and service applications. The more traditional approaches involve formal and/or informal presentations to classes and other groups of various sizes, as well as individual users in a process known as library orientation or bibliographic instruction.

Information literacy expands upon these library-based instructional settings, in that it not only presents various information resources to users, but also encourages and challenges users to locate, evaluate, retrieve, and utilize resources from a wide variety of print and electronic formats on a continuous basis. The desired outcome of information literacy is that users will achieve and maintain a level of competency in accessing information which will enable and empower them to become independent life-long learners.

The Reference Department actively promotes information literacy as an essential and ongoing component of services provided to users. For a number of years, there has been a cooperative arrangement with the Department of Languages, Literature, and Philosophy, where all sections of English 101 and 102 are scheduled for formal library presentations conducted by library faculty during designated class sessions. Other departments and/or classes frequently contact the Reference Department to schedule formal and informal presentations for undergraduate and graduate students, new and returning faculty, researchers, administrators, campus visitors, and the general public.

Presentations are tailored to the requirements of each group, ranging from a general overview of information resources to more detailed, subject-specific analysis and demonstration of information access/retrieval from print and/or electronic formats. As the department keeps pace with the latest technological applications, the presentations must involve a multimedia approach. Technical support from the library's computer specialists, media resources, and the University's Communications and Information Technologies area enable the library faculty to incorporate Internet/World Wide Web applications, CD-ROM, videotape, presentation software, and/or overhead projection techniques in addition to the traditional lecture format.

A multimedia "smart cart," one of several in designated campus locations, allows for direct interface and quick interchanges among various applications. While this unit is portable, it is used primarily to support information literacy presentations conducted in the classroom on the third floor of the library. In the other third floor classroom, is a computer laboratory which allows users immediate access to the Internet via the TSU World Wide Web homepage, as well as word processing, spreadsheet, printing/downloading, and other capabilities. While the laboratory is primarily supported by the University computer services area, the Reference faculty and staff, along with library computer specialists provide additional support to users as needed.

Presentations can be scheduled by contacting the Reference Department at the following numbers: 963-5201, 963-5217 or 963-5205 (voice mail). Library faculty in the Department will provide confirmation of proposed dates and times, or suggest alternatives if the choice(s) indicated are unavailable.

The constant changes in the information environment are reflected in Reference Department services in the area of information literacy. In fulfilling these responsibilities, every effort is made the ensure the reliability and accuracy of information presented to the users, thus enhancing the Library's image and reputation as a quality service resource.