ULS Information Literacy and Assessment of Learning Program
Core to the mission of the University Library System (ULS) is partnering with faculty in each department and program to foster information literacy through a variety of educational approaches.
The Association of College and Research Libraries defines Information Literacy as a “set of abilities requiring an individual to recognize when information is needed and have the ability to locate, evaluate, and use effectively the needed information.”
The ULS seeks to ensure that students at the University of Pittsburgh are equipped to navigate an increasingly complex information environment. Building on the University of Pittsburgh Student Learning Outcomes, our goal is that all University of Pittsburgh students are capable of:
- Gathering and evaluating information effectively and appropriately;
- Identifying information sources appropriate to their discipline;
- Critically evaluating and incorporating information to address a specific information need;
- Utilize appropriate information technology;
- Understand the principle of intellectual property, and the legal and ethical uses of information.
Working with You
- Providing leadership in documenting the assessment of student information literacy competencies.
The ULS s utilizing the Standardized Assessment of Information Literacy (SAILS) to assess both Freshman benchmark data and graduating Senior achievement scores. SAILS is based on the Association of College and Research Libraries’ (ACRL) Information Literacy Competency Standards for Higher Education and Middle States Commission on Higher Education. The SAILS instrument offers a programmatic level assessment of information literacy skills that is valid and thus credible to university administrators and other academic personnel. The resulting standardized instrument allows librarians and administrators in higher education to reliably determine students' information literacy skills, and provides for both external and internal benchmarking of student skills. Sample SAILS Report (PDF)
- Schedule a Library Instruction Session
ULS librarians can assist you by offering course-integrated library instruction tailored to the needs or your students. Instructors are welcome to schedule a library session, and librarians will work with the instructor to design a session that meets the objectives of the class, or craft research assignments that reach the learning outcomes intended for your students. - Instructional Tutorials @ ULS
Online tutorials and learning objects available for faculty to use in the online education via CourseWeb or other online utilities. - Faculty Toolbox for Information Literacy
The ULS offers workshops for faculty members interested in integrating information literacy into curriculum.
- Classroom Assessment Methods
While the SAILS assessment is being used on an institutional scope, there are several other methods that can be used to assess student information literacy skills within a class or program. If you are interested in using an assessment tool to within your classroom, please contact Marian Hampton (hamptonm@pitt.edu or 412-648-7770) for further information.
Need more information? Our librarians can work with you in advance to make sure that your students are able to locate the necessary information. For more information, contact:
Marian Hampton, Coordinator of Library Instruction
hamptonm@pitt.edu
412.648.7770