Information Literacy

The library staff provides quality information literacy instruction to meet the learning and research needs of students. According to the information literacy standards set by the Association of College and Research Libraries, the information literate student will be able to:

  • Determine the extent of information needed
  • Access the needed information effectively and efficiently
  • Evaluate information and its sources critically
  • Incorporate selected information into one’s knowledge base
  • Use information effectively to accomplish a specific purpose
  • Understand the economic, legal, and social issues surrounding the use of information, and access and use information ethically and legally

In order to help students achieve these goals, LRC staff provides information literacy sessions to instruct students on best practices for research. Finding reliable information is a skill used in all class levels and information literacy sessions can benefit students in every academic area.

What Can I Expect from an Information Literacy Sessions for Students?

Information literacy sessions are customized to class needs. Students walk away with a better appreciation for library resources if they can directly incorporate what they learned in a session into their coursework. Therefore, we require that you send a copy of an assignment. We also encourage instructors to be present during the session. The presence of the instructor demonstrates the importance of the session and collaboration between the instructor and librarian allows for discussion of resources appropriate to the assignment.

Information literacy sessions can include discussion and demonstration of the following:

  • Broadening or narrowing a topic
  • Searching the online catalog
  • Searching electronic databases
  • Finding reliable internet sources
  • Plagiarism/citations
  • Evaluating sources
  • Critical thinking skills

The best way for students to become information literate is through practice. A class session is a good starting point but it is impossible to cover everything in one session. Instructors have the option to schedule multiple class sessions to allow for more in-depth examination of resources. Instructors are also encouraged to bring their classes into the library to use the computers and print materials for on-site research. If you would like to bring your class, please call ahead so we can assign staff to assist your students.

Help for Instructors

We offer assistance for instructors who are looking to brush up on their own research skills or acquaint themselves with the resources Richland has to offer. We are always updating our resources with new editions, alternative formats and new content. We strive to keep our collections current to support your class and provide the latest research for preparing new lectures. We offer one-on-one consultations or group presentations.

Contact

To schedule an information literacy or research session, please fill out and submit the Faculty Request Form. We prefer that you make your request two weeks in advance of the desired date and require a minimum of one week’s notice. No formal sessions are scheduled during the first week of classes or during the final exam period.

Course Reserves

Instructors may put either personally owned or Richland library items on reserve for current classes. We ask that a Reserve Request Form be filled out each time an instructor puts any items on reserve. All reserve items must adhere to the Copyright Act (Title 17, U.S Code). The current reserve lists can be searched at Course Reserves in the Richland online catalog. Please contact Gavena Dahlman, Coordinator of Access Services for any questions regarding course reserves. She can be reached at (217) 875-7211, ext. 6301 or gdahlman@richland.edu.