The Role of LibrariesThe Role of Libraries

Special Committee Special Committee

Robert Morris UniversityRobert Morris University

2004-20052004-2005

The Charge of the RMU Library The Charge of the RMU Library Task ForceTask Force

Envision the libraries in Pittsburgh and on Envision the libraries in Pittsburgh and on the Moon Campus and their role at Robert the Moon Campus and their role at Robert Morris University in the next decadeMorris University in the next decade

Establish a definition of Establish a definition of information information literacy literacy and propose curricular change and propose curricular change that will assure that the University meet that will assure that the University meet this “new” standard for accreditation, and this “new” standard for accreditation, and assure that we meet the needs of the assure that we meet the needs of the schools in an efficient and effective schools in an efficient and effective manner.manner.

Definition from ALADefinition from ALA

“ “ To be information literate, a person must be To be information literate, a person must be able to recognize when information is able to recognize when information is needed and have the ability to locate, needed and have the ability to locate, evaluate and use effectively the needed evaluate and use effectively the needed information. (Note: Since information may information. (Note: Since information may be presented in a number of formats, the be presented in a number of formats, the term “information” applies to more than term “information” applies to more than just the printed word. Other literacies such just the printed word. Other literacies such as visual, media, computer, network, and as visual, media, computer, network, and basic literacies are implicit in information basic literacies are implicit in information literacy.literacy.

Definition from Middle States Definition from Middle States Commission on Higher Commission on Higher

EducationEducation“…“…an intellectual framework for identifying, finding, an intellectual framework for identifying, finding,

understanding, evaluating and using information. understanding, evaluating and using information. It includes determining the nature and extent of It includes determining the nature and extent of needed information; accessing information needed information; accessing information effectively; evaluating critically information and its effectively; evaluating critically information and its sources; incorporating selected information in the sources; incorporating selected information in the learner’s knowledge base and value system; using learner’s knowledge base and value system; using information effectively to accomplish a specific information effectively to accomplish a specific purpose; understanding the economic, legal and purpose; understanding the economic, legal and social issues surrounding the use of information social issues surrounding the use of information and information technology; and observing laws, and information technology; and observing laws, regulations, and institutional policies related to the regulations, and institutional policies related to the access and use of information” (p.32)access and use of information” (p.32)

Extension of Definition from Extension of Definition from ERICERIC

An information literate person is one who:An information literate person is one who: Recognizes that accurate and complete information is the Recognizes that accurate and complete information is the

basis for intelligent decision makingbasis for intelligent decision making Recognizes the need for informationRecognizes the need for information Formulates questions based on information needsFormulates questions based on information needs Identifies potential sources of informationIdentifies potential sources of information Develops successful search strategiesDevelops successful search strategies Accesses sources of information including computer-based Accesses sources of information including computer-based

and other technologiesand other technologies Evaluates informationEvaluates information Organizes information for practical applicationOrganizes information for practical application Integrates new information into an existing body of Integrates new information into an existing body of

knowledgeknowledge Uses information in critical thinking and problem solving Uses information in critical thinking and problem solving

(Doyle, 1992)(Doyle, 1992)

Task 1 – Looking to the future for the Task 1 – Looking to the future for the Pittsburgh and campus LibrariesPittsburgh and campus Libraries

Define the role of both the Pittsburgh and Define the role of both the Pittsburgh and campus libraries in the next ten years.campus libraries in the next ten years.

Using a strategic planning tool such as Using a strategic planning tool such as the SWOT Analysis, outline the strengths, the SWOT Analysis, outline the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of the two library centers.the two library centers.

Prepare a report with recommendations Prepare a report with recommendations relative to the future role of both facilitiesrelative to the future role of both facilities

Information Literacy in Higher Information Literacy in Higher Education from Eric Plotnick Education from Eric Plotnick

(ERIC)(ERIC) Information literacy instruction can take a Information literacy instruction can take a

variety of forms: stand-alone courses or variety of forms: stand-alone courses or classes, online tutorials, workbooks, course-classes, online tutorials, workbooks, course-related instruction, or course-integrated related instruction, or course-integrated instruction.instruction.

Colleges & universities are undertaking Colleges & universities are undertaking strategic planning to determine information strategic planning to determine information competencies, to incorporate instruction in competencies, to incorporate instruction in information competence throughout the information competence throughout the curriculum and to add information competence curriculum and to add information competence as a graduation requirement for students.as a graduation requirement for students.

Task 2 – Applying the Standards, Task 2 – Applying the Standards, Performance Indicators, and OutcomesPerformance Indicators, and Outcomes Step #1 – Definition of Information LiteracyStep #1 – Definition of Information Literacy Step #2 – Identify where information literacy will be Step #2 – Identify where information literacy will be incorporated into the university curriculumincorporated into the university curriculum Step #3 – Define clear goals for programStep #3 – Define clear goals for program Step #4 – Identify key areas to be covered in Step #4 – Identify key areas to be covered in information literacy courses.information literacy courses. Step #5 – Decide who should teach the studentsStep #5 – Decide who should teach the students Step #6 – Define appropriate teaching methodsStep #6 – Define appropriate teaching methods Step #7 – Define effective student assignmentsStep #7 – Define effective student assignments Step #8 – Identify appropriate facilities and equipmentStep #8 – Identify appropriate facilities and equipment Step #9 – Develop effective methods of evaluation Step #9 – Develop effective methods of evaluation

and and reviewreview

IL -StandardsIL -Standards The student will determine the nature and extent The student will determine the nature and extent

of information needed.of information needed. The student will access information effectively The student will access information effectively

and efficiently/and efficiently/ The student will critically evaluate information The student will critically evaluate information

and its sources.and its sources. The student will apply the information to The student will apply the information to

accomplish a task.accomplish a task. The student will understand many of the The student will understand many of the

economic, legal, and social issues surrounding economic, legal, and social issues surrounding the use of information and will access and use the use of information and will access and use information ethically and legally.information ethically and legally.

Developing an Action PlanDeveloping an Action Planfor our next meetingfor our next meeting

Research definitions of Research definitions of information information literacy literacy adopted by other schools.adopted by other schools.

Research goals, objectives, curriculum Research goals, objectives, curriculum implementation models, and implementation models, and assessment of information literacy assessment of information literacy programs programs

Report from Dr. Caplan, Library Director, Report from Dr. Caplan, Library Director, on library centerson library centers

Next meeting date and time for Library Next meeting date and time for Library Task ForceTask Force