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I finally got around to listening to October’s episode of Adventures in Library Instruction. I most wanted to listen to Rachel’s interview with Peter Larsen, a librarian at the University of Rhode Island. The interview focused on the for-credit information literacy courses URI offers as part of their information literacy program. Along with his information about the conceptualization of the course’s content, I was most impressed with his consistent assessment techniques throughout the course. For example, he would implement “one minute papers,” which allowed students to give feedback regarding assignment and in-class activity effectiveness.
The course in which he talked most about is a stand alone course. He, however, encourages students to work on a research project from another course they’re taking, so they can implement research strategies into a vested project. It looks as if URI also offers a 1-credit course that is specifically tailored to a student’s concurrent registration in a class that requires information literacy skills.
This has always been something I would love to see more of at the university level: a one-credit “lab” attached to a core course in the students’ curriculum. Students would have, for example, their required English or science course tied into a “lab” taught by a librarian integrating research strategies and information skills into their “parent” course’s content and assignments. I realize there are staff/human resource issues. How could a gaggle of librarians conquer 30 sections of English 101? I think there are possible ways/means around it. For example, online, supplemental materials or holding the “information literacy” lab every other week. Maybe it’s too “pie in the sky.” But I dare to dream….
Thanks to Peter Larsen for the interview! Also, YOU can join us for future episodes! If you’re interested, please post a comment on the Adventures in Library Instruction blog or email us! We’ll do it as a Skype discussion or you can record a segment all on your own.
