Holland College

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Information Skills Instruction

According to the Association of College and Research Libraries1, an "information literate" person is one who can recognize when information is required and who can:
  • determine the extent of information needed
  • access the needed information effectively and efficiently
  • evaluate information and its sources critically
  • incorporate selected information into one's knowledge base
  • use information effectively to accomplish a specific purpose
  • understand the economic, social and legal issues surrounding the use of information
  • access and use information ethically and legally
All of these competencies are present, to varying degrees and with differing emphases, in the instruction offered at Holland College.  

To assist learners and learning managers with the mastery of these skills, Holland College Library Services has developed a series of generic instructional modules which can be adapted to the context of an individual program.  Some of our more popular offerings include: Getting Started With Your Research, Beyond Google, Databases That Deliver, Prescription for Health Info, and sessions that deal with plagiarism and citations management.  In addition, we have developed and delivered presentations on the use of statistics and survey tools and emerging technologies such as RSS feeds, and are happy to respond to individual program requests for customized content.  All sessions take a practical approach that demystifies the research process and places it in the context of our learners' busy lives, occupational knowledge base, and career goals. A "course outline" (in QF132 format) for introductory research methods is provided here as an example.

How is this training delivered?  Depending on the topic, program, and individual needs, it can be delivered online, in the classroom, in the computer lab, or one-on-one in our library locations.  For further information, learning managers should contact their library liaison officer.

1Information literacy competency standards for higher education. (2000).[Brochure]. Chicago: Association
     of College and Research Libraries.