Hutchins Library has chosen the ACRL Framework for Information Literacy to guide our library’s information literacy program for several reasons, including:
1. Promotes Deeper Learning and Critical Thinking
The Framework encourages a conceptual understanding of information literacy rather than just a checklist of skills. This helps students develop higher-order thinking skills, such as evaluating the credibility of sources, understanding the authority and context of information, and recognizing their role in the information ecosystem.
2. Flexible and Adaptable
The Framework is designed to be flexible and adaptable to various disciplines, learning environments, and instructional methods. It provides a foundation that can be customized to the needs of different departments, making it easier to integrate information literacy into diverse curricula.
3. Focuses on Lifelong Learning
The Framework’s emphasis on metacognition and the evolving nature of information prepares students not just for academic research, but for information challenges they will face in their careers and personal lives. It instills skills that promote continuous learning beyond formal education.
4. Encourages Collaboration with Faculty
The Framework highlights the importance of partnerships between librarians and faculty to create assignments and learning experiences that foster information literacy. It encourages collaboration across disciplines to embed information literacy into the broader curriculum.
5. Alignment with Educational Goals
The Framework aligns well with broader institutional learning outcomes, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and ethical reasoning. This helps position the library as a central partner in achieving the university’s educational mission.
6. Addresses the Changing Information Landscape
The Framework reflects the complexities of today’s information environment, including digital media, the abundance of information, and the challenges of misinformation. This helps students develop skills to navigate and critically evaluate information in a rapidly changing landscape.
7. Supports Assessment and Improvement
The Framework’s structure allows for clear learning outcomes, which can be used to assess student progress in information literacy. This data can help the library continually refine and improve its information literacy program.
