Type of Presentation

Panel

Target Audience

Higher Education

Second Target Audience

K-12

Location

Ogeechee Theater

Relevance

This proposal relates to the teaching and learning of information literacy by presenting a structured academic program, the Information Studies concentration, as a formal, credit-bearing vehicle for delivering these skills. The initiative moves information literacy instruction from a series of one-shot workshops or embedded sessions into a dedicated, cohesive curriculum.

Proposal

The University Libraries launched a newly created Information Studies concentration in the Bachelor’s Degree of Interdisciplinary Studies (BIS). Developing such a program required navigating a complex administrative process, designing the concentration curriculum, and creating specific course content. This presentation details the multi-stage journey from idea to implementation.

The Information Studies concentration represents our continued commitment to empowering students. The information landscape offers abundant options. Students must know how to find and recognize credible information appropriate for different needs, navigate through data, utilize AI in ethical ways, and grow into responsible creators of information. This requires interlaced metaliteracy skills addressing the rapidly changing information landscape.

The concentration was built upon the foundation of INFO 2530: Introduction to Metaliteracy Skills, a course developed and taught by library faculty, as one of the required courses for the BIS degree. The concentration design provides students with practical skills, vital for both academic and professional success. Examples:

  • INFO 3130: AI & Society - Explores the societal impact of cutting-edge information technologies.

  • INFO 3530: Data Literacy - Develops crucial analytical and data evaluation abilities.

  • INFO 4530: Intellectual Property & Information Rights - Covers fundamental legal and ethical considerations of information integrity.

  • INFO 2300: Introduction to Digital Humanities - Connects the humanities with the digital world.

The Information Studies concentration extends the role of university libraries beyond traditional services. Through the concentration, the University Libraries are actively shaping the next generation of informed and responsible citizens. This innovative program attests for our dedication to ensuring our students are not only prepared as professionals for the demands of their chosen fields but are also equipped to thrive as lifelong learners in an ever-changing information environment.

The session will share our experience and offer insights for other institutions seeking to create innovative, library-led teaching programs.

Learning Objectives

Attendees will learn how to:

  • Identify the need for a dedicated information studies program within a university curriculum.

  • Understand the process of developing and launching a library-led academic concentration.

  • Explore specific course topics that address current challenges in the information landscape.

  • Discuss the potential for academic libraries to innovate and expand their role in a university setting.

Short Description

The University Libraries launched a newly created Information Studies concentration in the Bachelor’s Degree of Interdisciplinary Studies (BIS). Developing such a program required navigating a complex administrative process, designing the concentration curriculum, and creating specific course content. This presentation details the multi-stage journey from idea to implementation. The Information Studies concentration extends the role of university libraries beyond traditional services. Through the concentration, the University Libraries are actively shaping the next generation of informed and responsible citizens.

Keywords

Information Studies, Metaliteracy, Information Literacy, Credit-Bearing Library Instruction, Administrative Roles in Teaching

Publication Type and Release Option

Presentation (Open Access)

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.

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Feb 6th, 10:15 AM Feb 6th, 11:00 AM

Beyond Traditional Services: University Libraries Launch an Information Studies Concentration

Ogeechee Theater

The University Libraries launched a newly created Information Studies concentration in the Bachelor’s Degree of Interdisciplinary Studies (BIS). Developing such a program required navigating a complex administrative process, designing the concentration curriculum, and creating specific course content. This presentation details the multi-stage journey from idea to implementation.

The Information Studies concentration represents our continued commitment to empowering students. The information landscape offers abundant options. Students must know how to find and recognize credible information appropriate for different needs, navigate through data, utilize AI in ethical ways, and grow into responsible creators of information. This requires interlaced metaliteracy skills addressing the rapidly changing information landscape.

The concentration was built upon the foundation of INFO 2530: Introduction to Metaliteracy Skills, a course developed and taught by library faculty, as one of the required courses for the BIS degree. The concentration design provides students with practical skills, vital for both academic and professional success. Examples:

  • INFO 3130: AI & Society - Explores the societal impact of cutting-edge information technologies.

  • INFO 3530: Data Literacy - Develops crucial analytical and data evaluation abilities.

  • INFO 4530: Intellectual Property & Information Rights - Covers fundamental legal and ethical considerations of information integrity.

  • INFO 2300: Introduction to Digital Humanities - Connects the humanities with the digital world.

The Information Studies concentration extends the role of university libraries beyond traditional services. Through the concentration, the University Libraries are actively shaping the next generation of informed and responsible citizens. This innovative program attests for our dedication to ensuring our students are not only prepared as professionals for the demands of their chosen fields but are also equipped to thrive as lifelong learners in an ever-changing information environment.

The session will share our experience and offer insights for other institutions seeking to create innovative, library-led teaching programs.

Learning Objectives

Attendees will learn how to:

  • Identify the need for a dedicated information studies program within a university curriculum.

  • Understand the process of developing and launching a library-led academic concentration.

  • Explore specific course topics that address current challenges in the information landscape.

  • Discuss the potential for academic libraries to innovate and expand their role in a university setting.