ACRL Appointments Committee: Committee Volunteer Information: Student Learning and Information Literacy Committee

To oversee and implement ACRL’s Student Learning Initiative as described in the strategic plan. Work with the ACRL Board and other ACRL units to create a comprehensive approach to student learning and information literacy efforts including a) promote and facilitate professional development, publications, research, and advocacy related to information literacy and student learning; b) support the development of the ACRL student learning/information literacy website; and c) monitor and assess the effectiveness of the ACRL Student Learning Initiative.

What is the main work of the committee?

We collaborate together and with other ACRL Committees to create a comprehensive approach to student learning and information literacy efforts. The main work of our committee is to promote and facilitate professional development, publications, research, and advocacy related to information literacy and student learning, with a particular focus on inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility. We also support the development of the ACRL student learning/information literacy website, and maintain a current guide with resources for librarians at https://acrl.libguides.com/studentlearning.

What are the busy times of year for the committee?

February, March, April, June, August, September, October, November

On average, what time commitment does being a member of the committee require?

2-4 hours per month

What skills or expertise would be valuable in a member of the committee?

We welcome committee members who are good email communicators (e.g., write clearly, respond in a timely way); can successfully work with others to accomplish the work of committee and who enjoy working with others; and are willing to take initiative in proposing and helping to implement new ideas.

Is there anything else someone thinking of volunteering for the committee should know?

If you are interested in gaining editorial experience working with ACRL to produce information-literacy focused publications, acquiring experience in hosting online programs for librarians that foster student literacy, are committed to advancing EDI in your teaching, and want to make connections with other library groups--and other librarians--to promote the work of our committee, then SLILC is for you.

This is the best committee you could volunteer for. We’re warm, welcoming, and down-to-earth. Members often remark that this Committee actually produces things but we do so in a way that helps others without over-taxing ourselves. Come join us!

What is the most enjoyable aspect of the committee’s work, from your perspective?

Getting to work with enthusiastic, generous and kind committee members who work well with others--both within and outside of SLILC--and who genuinely care about and want to continuously foster information literacy and student learning.

Questions answered by 2021-2022 Chair/Co-Chair