University of Washington, Tacoma
Mission statement

The instruction program at the University of Washington, Tacoma Library creates opportunities to develop information literacy via multiple modes and locations throughout our learning community. By providing a foundation in inquiry, concepts and skills, our program fosters critical thinking about the research process and promotes lifelong intellectual growth.

Core values and assumptions

• Information literacy is the ability to find, retrieve, analyze, and use information critically and effectively.
  
• Our learning community consists of the students, faculty, staff, and community members whom we serve and with whom we collaborate to meet the University’s goals.
  
• The instruction program encompasses both formal and informal information literacy instruction in all teaching and learning environments on campus, both in and out of the library. Through a variety of educational approaches, the instruction program provides continuity and reinforcement of learning objectives regardless of venue.
  
• Because information literacy is central to student success, we pursue collaborations with faculty, staff, and students across campus to integrate information literacy throughout students’ academic experience at UWT.
  
• Because instruction is central to the mission of the UWT Library, all library staff contribute to the goals of the instruction program. Library staff require support in their ongoing development as information literacy instructors.
  
• Information literacy learning must be relevant and meaningful in order to be effective. In the context of academic needs, the most useful information literacy instruction is tied directly to faculty course objectives.
  
• Assessment is necessary for continuous improvement of the instruction program. Ongoing evaluation of instruction, student outcomes, and programmatic goals provide opportunities to document, explain and improve performance.

 

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