Walter Stiern Library

Information Literacy : Faculty Services

Many students believe they are competent seekers and evaluators of information. However, studies do not support students' confidence in their effectiveness as searchers and evaluators of information. Consequently, students' overconfidence in their information seeking abilities prevents them from becoming aware of sophisticated search strategies and the high quality of sources that can be accessed in the Library's research databases.

To conduct effective research, students should be:

• familiar with the research databases not available via the free Web.
• able to construct search strategies beyond simple googling
• able to evaluate research content such as, distinguishing between the popular/scholarly press and, determining credible Websites.

You can assist your students in becoming better searchers and evaluators of information by:

• creating effective research assignments that challenge students and prevents plagiarism.
• arranging a research session with your librarian-liaison.
• encouraging students to enroll in one of the Library's information literacy credit courses.
• asking your students to take advantage of the Library's Research Corner.
• add a link to key library resources to your Blackboard or class web site.

More information on Information Literacy for Faculty