Information Literacy Classes at AUN Library
Information Literacy at AUN is more than mastering basic library skills. It is about developing information and technology competencies that foster lifelong learning. Information literate students are able to find, evaluate, and use information effectively to discover new knowledge, solve problems, make decisions, and become more informed members of society.
What is Information Literacy?
According to the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL), information literacy is a set of abilities enabling individuals to "recognize when information is needed, and be able to locate, evaluate, and use effectively the needed information." http://www.acrl.org/acrl/standards/informationliteracycompetency. The Information Literacy Program at AUN Library is based on the ACRL Information Literacy Competency Standards for Higher Education. According to the five standards, an information literate person should be able to:
- Determine the nature and extent of the information needed.
- Access needed information effectively and efficiently.
- Evaluate information and sources critically and incorporate selected information into his/her knowledge base and value system.
- Use information effectively to accomplish a specific purpose.
- Access and use information ethically and legally.
In support of the AUN Library Strategic Plan, the Information Literacy Program (ILP) provides formal and informal instructional practices that empower students, faculty, and staff with the information literacy skills needed to be self-sufficient in finding, selecting, evaluating and using information. The overarching goals of the program are to:
- Deliver information literacy instruction at the introductory level and beyond.
- Offer a variety of learning opportunities beyond classroom instruction.
- Incorporate new technologies into the delivery of information literacy instruction.
Librarians are responsible for teaching enabling skills that are prerequisite to information seeking and knowledge acquisition across the curriculum, while teaching faculty have the responsibility of teaching skills that are required for subject specific inquiry and research."
Types of Information Literacy Instruction at AUN Library
1. Orientation training for freshmen: This training, which is within the framework of the whole freshmen orientation week. First year students are given the ABC of the library - library’s facilities, resources and services, overall organization of the library, policies and procedures, library webpage, library catalog etc.
2. In-class training for students on General Library instruction: These presentations are made at the bidding of faculty members. The presentation includes a detailed instruction on the steps of research: identifying and developing a topic, finding background information, finding books, periodicals articles (print and electronic) and internet resources, evaluation of sources and citation.
3. Discipline-specific Library instruction – These are presentations tailored to a specific class topic. They can include a very detailed instruction on using a discipline-specific database, information on the topic in other databases, a selection of reference materials on the topic, specifics in searching for information on related and relevant open access resources on the internet on the topic and others. They can also be tailored to a specific course assignment.
4. Personal training for students and faculty
You are more than welcome to schedule individual training on all topics related to the library, its resources and the research process. Just contact the Information literacy librarian
5.Out-reach on Information Literacy to other schools: in support of AUN strategic mission of Community Service and Development, AUN Library accepts invitations from other schools for free training on information literacy and related collaborations on resources sharing.
Schedule for Information Literacy
To schedule an instruction fill this form or call the Information literacy librarian at 08054476307 or write to the email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.