The 2016 ACRL Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education provides an overarching framework for the Library’s Teaching, Learning, and Research activities (as defined above as a Work Cluster). This document defines information literacy as “the set of integrated abilities encompassing the reflective discovery of information, the understanding of how information is produced and valued, and the use of information in creating new knowledge and participating ethically in communities of learning.” The full document offers a great deal of additional context and detail. Additional literacies defined by the Library align with the larger goal of developing information literacy in our students, and our larger campus community.

To clarify and amplify the distinct educational value that the Library provides to our students, the Library faculty has defined distinct learning literacies. These literacies clearly articulate our instructional goals, support scaffolding of course-integrated instruction, and strategically inform the development of credit-bearing Library courses, workshops, presentations, and asynchronous learning content. This framework is rooted in established scholarship and uniquely responsive to the specific needs of our student community, and aims to enhance our instructional coherence and effectively communicate the vital role librarians play in fostering academic excellence.

Research Literacy Archival & Primary Source Literacy Data Literacy Creative Technology & Digital Publishing Literacy

Research Literacy

Definition:

The ability to effectively define information needs, develop flexible and interdisciplinary search strategies, critically evaluate sources, and ethically use information across various scholarly and creative contexts.

Core Competencies:

• Define and refine research questions across disciplines.
• Develop and adapt search strategies for diverse information systems.
• Critically evaluate source credibility, authority, and relevance.
• Navigate physical and digital research environments and services.
• Understand the scholarly communication process and publishing lifecycle.
• Apply concepts of intellectual property and ethical information use.
• Engage with AI tools to support research while evaluating bias and validity.
• Recognize privacy concerns in the management and sharing of research data.

Archival & Primary Source Literacy

Definition:

The ability to locate, interpret, and ethically use primary sources and archival materials in both physical and digital forms, considering historical context, creator intent, and archival structure.

Core Competencies:

• Understand archival organization, terminology, and discovery tools in order to develop proficiency in navigating both physical and digital archives.
• Differentiate between born-digital and digitized materials.
• Contextualize historical sources and analyze creator intent.
• Identify gaps or silences in archival records and learn strategies for locating supplementary sources.
• Respect privacy concerns related to individuals represented in archival content.
• Critically assess the impact of AI-generated tools on archival research and interpretation.
• Understand the unique legal and ethical obligations of using primary source materials which may be unpublished or sensitive in nature, including citation and reproduction practices.

Data Literacy

Definition:

The ability to access, interpret, analyze, visualize, and ethically manage data across quantitative and qualitative domains to support inquiry, communication, and decision-making.

Core Competencies:

• Collect, clean, and organize data from various sources.
• Use analysis methods and tools to interpret and visualize data.
• Understand and apply principles of data ethics, privacy, and intellectual property.
• Communicate insights through compelling data narratives.
• Manage research data responsibly, including version control and storage.
• Use AI tools for data analysis and critically evaluate their outputs.
• Collaborate across disciplines using shared data practices.
• Expand understandings of what data is and how it can be gathered.

Creative Technology & Digital Publishing Literacy

Definition:

The ability to conceptualize, design, produce, and disseminate creative or scholarly work in both digital and physical forms, integrating technical skills with ethical and creative considerations.

Core Competencies:

• Use design thinking and iterative creation processes.
• Create and publish content in a range of media formats (web, 3D, video, etc.).
• Understand publishing workflows, open access, and rights management.
• Integrate accessibility and usability into digital content.
• Use tools like 3D printers, laser cutters, among others, to both ideate and engage in rapid prototyping.
• Apply copyright, licensing, and intellectual property principles.
• Consider the impacts of AI on creation, authorship, and originality.
• Reflect on the privacy and ownership of digital creations in networked environments.