Integrating Information Literacy (IL) into the First Year

The goal of this poster session is to bring together useful information on the integrated information literacy programs (IILP) of four BC post-secondary institutions. By showcasing these grassroots programs we hope to stimulate future discussions of common issues and best practices in this growing area of academic libraries. The poster content will include the history and scope of each program; partners involved; data on classes/students impacted; and other relevant information. Kwantlen Polytechnic University Library has formally implemented integrated information literacy modules into the Public Policy BA Degree curriculum for two courses in 2011. Librarians teach for one week per semester in the first and third year courses. Okanagan College Library’s CILRI Project (Course Integrated Library Research Instruction) piloted in 2009 and accepted in 2010, formalized embedding higher-level IL skills into the curriculum of all first year English courses. Librarians at Okanagan College received the 2011 CTCL Innovation Achievement Award for the development and implementation of CILRI. University of the Fraser Valley Library has been providing a required IL component to several courses for more than 15 years. In 2009 UFV added a new course, Business 100, which serves as the model UFV wants to follow for future collaborations. Vancouver Island University Library began an IILP in 2005 as a component in required English courses. In the newly articulated mandate, the library leads the collaborative development and implementation of literacy standards and objectives for the university’s diverse learning community. Refined through subsequent feedback and experience, this initiative focuses on problem-based research and critical skills, and is foundational to anticipated future offerings.