Information literacy comprehensively incorporated into Gen Ed curricula
(Duboise Library)

The library works to incorporate information literacy as both learning goal and criteria for approval across all general education courses, like writing, as a component of critical thinking. A presentation on information literacy was given at the Faculty Senate Council on General Education in the Fall of 2007. In the Spring of 2008, the Council voted to include information literacy in its review of all General Education courses. For various reasons, the Gen Ed Council decided to take this approach rather than make information literacy a new course designation. That is, the Council decided not to simply require one information literacy course. The target audience for this initiative is multiple: it will include the faculty and graduate students who teach General Education as well as the undergraduate students who take General Education classes. The length of engagement is continuous and ongoing. We see this initiative as only the beginning of many other related activities and initiatives. It is an umbrella that will encompass what will come later: faculty education about information literacy, supporting resources for faculty to use in teaching, workshops, and more. The means of delivery will vary, with some General Education classes receiving instruction in the library or classrooms by librarians, others by the faculty, other via online methods. The campus is in the process of assessing and revitalizing its general education program, and it is exciting that a commitment has been made for information literacy to be included in this revitalization.

Goal / Assessment:

We are at the beginning stages of our initiative and are still articulating learning goals and objectives. We have a relationship with the University Office of Academic Planning and Assessment, and the Library’s Information Literacy Specialist serves with the campus Director of Assessment on the General Education Assessment subcommittee. This will be a good venue for articulating Learning goals and objectives and then assessing these over time. We also have proposed a campus-wide Task Force on Information Literacy that will work on these issues as well.

Peer Mentoring/Coaching Program for Teaching Librarians (Dubois Library)

This process is a non-threatening way for librarians to work together to improve their teaching. The more they work together through this reflective process the greater changes they will see in their teaching -- one step at a time. This initiative has been going on for a few years and with the influx of new teaching librarians we are revitalizing it.
http://www.library.umass.edu/instruction/librarians/peer/

Goals / Assessment:

NA

Subject disciplines accompanied by library resources and assistance. (Dubois Library)

We have organized our subscription and free online databases and resources by both broad and specific discipline. Subject specialist librarians selected a couple of "best bet" and a more comprehensive list of databases relevant to the discipline or major. The page for each discipline connects to the Librarian's contact info, specific topic pages, course guides, and subject research guides. Designed by subject specialists in fall 2007.
http://www.library.umass.edu/ndl/view/

Goals:

NA

Assessment:

NA

Subject guides provide basic and advanced research support.

Detailed web-based guides created by subject specialist librarians that cover the major formats of information sources used in the discipline. Specialized topics and guides for specific courses are also covered. Students use these on their own or in courses for both introductory and advanced research support. Soon to be transitioned to LibGuides.
http://www.library.umass.edu/subject/index.html

Goals / Assessment:

NA