About Us

Information Literacy

What is information literacy?

The ability to access, evaluate, organize and use information in order to learn, problem-solve, and make decisions in formal and informal learning contexts, at work, at home, and in educational settings. (Christine Bruce, Seven Faces of Information Literacy)

The goal of library instruction is to help individuals at the university "recognize when and what information is needed . . ., define appropriate search strategies, determine relevant sources, locate, critically evaluate and ethically use information in all formats."(ACRL Information Literacy Competency Standards)

Components of library instruction led by Central Reference include:

 

Why is information literacy important?

Information literacy is important because of the diverse and abundant sources of information that are available. Finding, evaluating, and using information can be dizzying with so many options. Librarians, faculty, and students can form partnerships to reach a higher level of information literacy.

How does Central Reference fit into the library-wide instruction program?

Central Reference focuses on helping primarily graduate students in developing and honing information literacy skills. The Undergraduate Library provides library instruction to undergraduates through the Composition I classes. These course-integrated classes focus on developing research skills that will help students develop critical thinking skills. Learn more about what library instruction can do for you and your students

Would you like to learn how to use library facilities and services?

The library offers workshops, open to students and faculty, that will help you learn to use the library more effectively. See the calendar for topics and dates. If you would like to suggest a topic for a library workshop, please contact Merinda Hensley.

Do you need help with a research project?

Librarians are available in person at the Information Desk on the second floor of the Main Library and through online chat, email, and phone to help with specific research questions. Please visit our Ask a Librarian page to get digital reference help. Librarians are available to help at all stages of the research process, whether you are defining your research questions or filling in the research gaps in an almost complete project.

Would you like a librarian to come to your class to help with research instruction?

Instructional Services (http://www.library.uiuc.edu/learn/)

We are here to help you teach! Request assistance in designing and testing library assignments, using library resources in the classroom, and creating class-related bibliographies. You can schedule instructional sessions that are designed specifically for your class, covering areas such as library research strategies, critical thinking skills, and information literacy. Contact your departmental library for details on what instructional services they provide or contact Lisa Janicke Hinchliffe, Coordinator for Information Literacy Services and Instruction.

Assessment

Coming Soon!

Contact Information

Merinda Kaye Hensley
Instructional Services Librarian
217-244-1880

Lisa Janicke Hinchliffe
Information Literacy Services and Instruction Coordinator
Undergraduate Library, Head
217-333-1323

This information portal is brought to you by the Reference Library and created by Merinda Kaye Hensley, Instructional Services Librarian.

The portal serves as part of the University of Illinois Library's Information Literacy and Instruction program.