» Information Literacy Program

What is Information Literacy?

All Chapman University students need to critically analyze and communicate complex issues and ideas. It would be impossible to fulfill this objective without knowing how to find and evaluate information sources, which is where information literacy comes into play.

So what is information literacy?

"Information literacy is the set of integrated abilities encompassing the reflective discovery of information, the understanding of how information is produced and valued, and the use of information in creating new knowledge and participating ethically in communities of learning (ACRL, 2015)."

The librarians at the Leatherby Libraries promote information literacy through several methods:

In-class library instruction: a librarian meets with an entire class to discuss research strategies related to their research needs
Individual Research Consultations: students meet individually with a librarian to help them find and evaluate sources based on their specific research topic
Ask a Librarian: librarians are available via the Reference Desk or by contacting a liaison librarian to answer information-related questions for students or faculty

By refining information literacy abilities with librarians, students may achieve greater success in critically analyzing and communicating the complex issues related to their scholarly and creative work.

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The Library’s Information Literacy Program includes both general and subject-specific instruction at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Librarians at the Leatherby Libraries collaborate with faculty to design research sessions that increase student information literacy skills and research strategies to successfully complete projects, assignments, and papers.

The Information Literacy Program supports and contributes to Chapman University’s institutional learning outcomes of personalized education and student/faculty research through its course-based and individualized library research instruction.

Course-based information literacy sessions are available to Chapman faculty whose students would benefit from library instruction suited to their course requirements.

Faculty need only to contact their subject liaison librarian directly to schedule a session. Please allow the librarian a minimum of 7 days advance notice when scheduling a course-based library instruction session.

Library instruction sessions are usually held during the time of regularly scheduled class sessions. They can be held in the Leatherby Libraries' instruction room, in another classroom on campus, or in a virtual environment via Zoom. Faculty are strongly encouraged to be present during the instruction session to demonstrate to their students the importance of the library and its resources/services for research purposes.

Information literacy sessions for all First-year Foundations Course sections are presented by librarians. This FFC library session introduces students to services and resources offered by Leatherby Libraries and also to critical evaluation of information sources.

If you have any questions regarding information literacy instruction, please feel free to contact Taylor Greene, Chair of Research and Instructional Services, at tgreene@chapman.edu or (714) 532-7782.

IRC services are available to Chapman faculty and students who need in-depth and/or more individualized research assistance or guidance. Examples of research/information needs that fall within the scope of this service include: developing research strategies for identifying and locating authoritative resources; creating effective search strategies for databases; and proper citation of sources. This service is available by appointment with a librarian. To schedule a consultation, contact your liaison librarian, or ask for more information through the Reference Desk.

» Information Literacy Program

What is Information Literacy?

Overview of the Information Literacy Program

Course-Based Information Literacy Instruction

Individual Research Consultations (IRC)

References