City University’s Information Literacy Initiative

In recognition of the importance of graduating lifelong learners who are information literate, in August 2003 City University's Deans Council commissioned a task force that was charged with addressing the issue of information literacy at CityU. The Information Literacy Task Force, comprised of representatives from the Schools of Arts & Sciences, Education, and Management as well as the Library and the Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching, developed a definition of information literacy that was to become recognized as integral to the educational mission of the University. The Task Force also identified a series of competencies and sub-competencies that are part of being an information literate individual. These competencies state that a person who is information literate is able to:

• Recognize when information is required and determine the extent of information needed;
• Access needed information effectively and efficiently;
• Evaluate information and its sources critically;
• Use information effectively;
• Understand the ethical, legal, economic and social issues surrounding the use of information and information technology; access and use information and information technology ethically and legally.

City University has drafted the following mission statement to support its information literacy initiative.
By infusing information literacy instruction throughout the curriculum, City University teaches students to recognize when information is required, to find and retrieve it, to evaluate its relevance and authority, and to use it effectively. This supports the university’s mission to provide high-quality learning experiences for adult learners and to develop skills for lifelong learning. The ability to use information effectively enriches our graduates’ contributions to both academic and professional endeavors.

Information Literacy Q&A
Information Literacy Assessment Rubric

 

Questions or comments? contact Erica Coe, elcoe@u.washington.edu