Evolution of a Collaborative Undergraduate Information Literacy Education Program

Abstract

This chapter examines the evolution of information literacy as a distinct concept incorporating critical thinking, and research and communication skills. It describes Duquesne University’s efforts to develop its current information literacy program during a period of rapid technological change and evolving accreditation standards, and briefly addresses the Association of College and Research Libraries’ (ACRL) information literacy research agenda. Duquesne’s librarians and disciplinary faculty have collaborated to introduce information literacy into the curriculum. All freshmen and transfer students receive instruction geared toward establishing baseline competency in computer and information literacy skills. Collaboration among faculty, librarians, and campus computing staff has resulted in improved instruction and adoption of course management software to facilitate management of over a thousand students per semester, as well as sharing of course texts and assignments among instructors in the Schools of Business, Education, and Music, the College of Liberal Arts, and the library.