Library Instruction
Librarians at the AHC libraries provide information literacy instruction in course orientations, workshops and in our own academic courses.
What is information literacy and why does the library teach it?
The Association for College and Research Libraries (ACRL) Framework provides the following definition of 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."
The library’s mission is to support all Allan Hancock College students and staff with both immediate research needs and the development of information literacy skills, to enhance lifelong learning. In addition, the library is the campus “center of learning,” with a welcoming atmosphere conducive to studying and learning. To support this mission, we have developed the following Learning Outcomes:
- PSLO 1. Navigate a library to find a variety of resources to answer information needs.
- PSLO 2. Define an information need by formulating a research question, problem, or issue in a manner that others in the discipline can readily understand.
- PSL0 3. Use a research process to efficiently locate an appropriate source of information for a problem or question.
- PSL0 4. Evaluate the quality of information sources for bias, currency, authority, accuracy, and coverage.
- PSLO 5. Use information ethically by citing sources and avoiding plagiarism.
Using these Program Learning Outcomes as a guide, we develop our courses, workshops and orientations.
Want to learn more about information literacy? Please visit our research guide.