Peer Review

Framework for Information Literacy

Material Detail page

Reviewed:: Jan 10, 2023 by ICT Literacy

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Ratings

Overall Rating:

Content Quality:

Effectiveness:

Ease of Use:

Overview:

This LibGuide from Saint Leo University provides an overview and lessons for the ACRL 2016 Information Literacy Framework for Higher Education.

Type of Material:

Collection

Recommended Uses:

The instructor can identify one concept, and choose a relevant lesson to introduce in class and have the students practice together and then do assignments to apply their knowledge. Each lesson has a consistent structure, but the approach and activities differ.

Technical Requirements:

This website works in several browsers.

Identify Major Learning Goals:

Demonstrate information literacy competence related to the following concepts: Authority Is Constructed and Contextual Information Creation as a Process Information Has Value Research as Inquiry Scholarship as Conversation Searching as Strategic Exploration

Target Student Population:

General education students, professionals

Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:

Basic literacy and technology skills

General awareness of information literacy and ACRL Framework

Content Quality

Rating:

Strengths:

The website consists of a minimal overview and a beginning set of lessons organized by information literacy "frame" or concept. Each lesson is self-contained. A simple lesson template is provided in case librarians and other instructors wish to submit material. Content is accurate and current, based on the 2015 Association of College and Research Libraries framework. The website is easily navigable, and links work.

Concerns:

It is initially difficult to discern the purpose of the guide. While you can instantly see the principles of the Framework, there is no introduction or description of purpose for the guide.
The website does not provide much added value or explanation.
Lessons vary in quality and ADA-compliance.
The website is new, and is just building its collection of lessons.

Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool

Rating:
Strengths:: The website is completely based on the ACRL information literacy standards. Framework information is broken down into each frame and subsequent information. It has the potential to serve as a convenient central URL for instructors to locate concept-specific lessons for higher education students. The availability of information literacy instructional templates also facilitates instruction.
Concerns:: Lessons do not build upon each other, so concepts might be taught in isolation rather than easily connected. Because lessons are contributed by different authors, their quality is not necessarily consistent. Thus, by missing an overview and statement of purpose users are left on their own to understand the collection of information.

Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty

Rating:

Strengths:

The layout of information is clear and concise, and individual tabs make it well organized and easy to follow. Furthermore, the technology is low-end for easy access. Uses can submit lessons, thus adding to the value of the website. The overall website appears to be largely ADA-compliant.

Concerns:

An introduction or overall purpose is not provided. Website instructions are sparse, and the website is largely textual. The content consists mainly of links to lessons, so is not interactive per se; with, The one image is not compelling. No help feature exists. Images do not have alt-text.

Other Issues and Comments:: Overall, this is a welcome approach to the complexties of the ACRL Framework.
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