Request Information Literacy Instruction

First Year Seminar  |  Transfer Seminar  | Honors Interdisciplinary Seminar  |  English Composition  |  Other UNCW Courses  |  Online Courses

Isaac Bear Early College  |  Visiting Groups (K-12 schools, etc.)  |  Library Tours 

What is “Information Literacy” (IL)?

Information literacy (IL) is defined as the competencies an individual summons in order to locate, retrieve, evaluate, select, and use information sources(Source).  That means more than just research skills! Information literate citizens examine the socio-cultural production of information and knowledge, and they approach all information production and consumption in a critical manner. 

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.” Information literacy is “an overarching set of abilities in which students are consumers and creators of information who can participate successfully in collaborative spaces” within a rapidly changing information ecosystem. As a lifelong set of knowledge practices and dispositions, information literacy extends learning throughout and beyond students’ academic careers, “converging with other academic and social learning goals. – Association of College & Research Libraries

Information literacy is a required competency in UNCW's University Studies program (six credit hours) and is one of eight university Learning Goals.

• Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education
• AACU Information Literacy VALUE Rubric
• Project Information Literacy

Information Literacy at UNCW

• Explore the University Studies Common IL SLOs - Includes suggested benchmarks for students at differing levels. 
• Use the Library Effectively in Your Class - Find tips and sample assignments.

• Teach Media Literacy, "Fake News," and Disinformation  - Find tips and open access educational resources.
• Work With Your Liaison Librarian - Contact or book an appointment.
• Apply to the Critical Information Literacy Immersion Program - Apply for our year-long immersive program.

Information for instructors of... 

• First Year Seminar   |   Transfer Seminar   |   English Compositon

Asynchronous Virtual Resources

• Online Tutorials - Videos, embeddable Canvas modules, and more.
• Subject & Course Guides  - Topical pages that connect your students to the best resources. 
• Virtual Library Tour  -  Explore the library resources and services.  
• Get Started Researching Tool  - A step-by-step research guide for your students.
• Research Strategy Tool  -  A tool to help your students develop complex database searches.