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Information Literacy in the Disciplines

This guide contains links and citations to information literacy standards and curricula developed by accrediting agencies, professional associations, and institutions of higher education

Information Literacy in the Disciplines: Criteria for Inclusion

The Information Literacy in the Disciplines site is a curated guide designed for instructors and librarians who are interested in incorporating information literacy skills into existing curriculum. Resources included on the site fall into three classes of materials:

  1. standards or guidelines from accrediting agencies and professional associations
  2. related research
  3. adaptable instructional materials.

The guide is selective and not comprehensive; preference will be given to notable, representative, and/or recent materials. Suggestions that meet the criteria for inclusion may be submitted for consideration to the Chair of the Information Literacy in the Disciplines Committee at any time.

1. Criteria for Standards or Guidelines from Accrediting Agencies & Professional Associations

Entries include standards or guidelines from accrediting agencies and professional associations. Each should address one or more of the following:

  • the importance of adequate library and information resources – both material and personnel – for success in a discipline
  • the need for instruction on information seeking behaviors
  • the need for student proficiency with a discipline’s information
  • resources
  • the need for overall student information literacy for success in the profession.

2. Criteria for Related Research

Entries include research articles, presentations, and sources thereof (e.g. specific journals). Each should address one or more of the following:

  • insight into a discipline’s approach to information literacy
  • research data supporting the importance of information literacy integration in a discipline
  • application of certain teaching methods or techniques for instruction on information literacy skills or concepts in a discipline.

3. Criteria for Adaptable Instructional Materials

Entries include adaptable instructional materials such as curricula, assignments, activities, and tutorials. Each should address specific information literacy skills or concepts in disciplinary context.

Note: This site and criteria for inclusion will be revised and updated on an as-needed basis by the Information Literacy in the Disciplines Committee each year before the ALA Annual Conference.