Embedding Information Literacy in Multi-Section Composition Courses to Improve First Year Student Success

Type of Presentation

Individual paper/presentation (20 minute presentation)

Target Audience

Higher Education

Location

Room 1220A

Abstract

This presentation focuses on the experience of a small, private Catholic university library’s implementation of its information literacy instruction into the classroom. The university is currently engaged in its Quality Enhancement Program (QEP) which centers on preparing first time, first year students to meet the expectations of college level work. In redesigning freshman composition English courses for the QEP, the library was sought out by the English faculty to embed information literacy in the curriculum. The newly redesigned writing assignments now included a research component.

To meet the challenge of teaching information literacy among eighteen sections of the composition course, the library created online tutorials complete with scored activities. The use of online modules addressed the logistical problem of assigning two librarians to eighteen sections as well as providing students an opportunity to review information literacy lessons as many times as needed.

All the library modules were integrated into the syllabus and required to be completed by students. Pre and post-tests administered to students showed Improvement in various information literacy skills.

The goals of this presentation consist of highlighting, 1) how librarians can contribute to the academic preparedness of colleges and universities by embedding into a multi-section first year Composition course; 2) the implementation of online information literacy through the use of technology when resources are at a premium, and 3) improvements among first year remedial students in their information literacy skills.

Presentation Description

This presentation focuses on the experience of a small, Catholic university library's implementation of its information literacy instruction into freshman English composition courses. The goals of this presentation consists of highlighting 1: how librarians can contribute to the academic preparedness of colleges and universities by embedding into a multi-section first year Composition course; 2: the implementation of online information literacy through the use of technology when resources are at a premium, and 3: improvements among first year remedial students in their information literacy skills.

Keywords

Embedded librarian; assessment; library online tutorials; first year student; faculty collaboration; academic preparedness; student success

Publication Type and Release Option

Presentation (Open Access)

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Oct 10th, 8:30 AM Oct 10th, 9:45 AM

Embedding Information Literacy in Multi-Section Composition Courses to Improve First Year Student Success

Room 1220A

This presentation focuses on the experience of a small, private Catholic university library’s implementation of its information literacy instruction into the classroom. The university is currently engaged in its Quality Enhancement Program (QEP) which centers on preparing first time, first year students to meet the expectations of college level work. In redesigning freshman composition English courses for the QEP, the library was sought out by the English faculty to embed information literacy in the curriculum. The newly redesigned writing assignments now included a research component.

To meet the challenge of teaching information literacy among eighteen sections of the composition course, the library created online tutorials complete with scored activities. The use of online modules addressed the logistical problem of assigning two librarians to eighteen sections as well as providing students an opportunity to review information literacy lessons as many times as needed.

All the library modules were integrated into the syllabus and required to be completed by students. Pre and post-tests administered to students showed Improvement in various information literacy skills.

The goals of this presentation consist of highlighting, 1) how librarians can contribute to the academic preparedness of colleges and universities by embedding into a multi-section first year Composition course; 2) the implementation of online information literacy through the use of technology when resources are at a premium, and 3) improvements among first year remedial students in their information literacy skills.