Information Literacy Instruction Certificate

Program Coordinator:

Dr. Cheryl A. McCarthy
Phone: (401) 874-4654
FAX: (401) 874-4964
E-mail: chermc@uri.edu

General Information:

The Information Literacy Instruction Certificate (ILIC) is a new 15-credit post-baccalaureate certificate introduced at URI. GSLIS has identified this as a critical need. The purpose of this program is to serve the needs of professional librarians who want to update their skills, as well as provide opportunities for assistants who would like to teach others how to use the library resources effectively, efficiently, and ethically.

What is Information Literacy?

Information Literacy is the set of skills needed to find, retrieve, analyze, use and evaluate information. The Association of College and Research Libraries has defined Competency Standards as the ability to: "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, legal, and social issues surrounding the use of information, and access the information ethically and legally".

Why earn an Information Literacy Instruction Certificate at URI?

Earning the ILIC consists of completion of 5 essential courses designed to enhance your information literacy instruction skills. This program will serve the needs of professional librarians who want to update their skills, as well as provide opportunities for assistants to teach diverse users how to utilize the library effectively, efficiently, and ethically. This program will also ensure that librarians of the 21st century will support life-long learning.

In the Final Report by ALA's Presidential Committee on Information Literacy, school and college libraries were challenged to "integrate the concept of information literacy into their learning programs" and [to] play a 'leadership role' in implementing information literacy in their institutions. Graduates of the ILIC program will be prepared to meet this vital need.
ILIC Program Requirements

Courses required:

• LSC 504, Reference and Information Studies
• LSC 524, Teaching about Information
• LSC 525, Multiculturalism in Libraries
• LSC 527, Information Literacy Instruction
• LSC 528, Instructional Technology in Library and Information Services

The LSC 527 Course is the capstone course and will allow candidates the opportunity to apply what they have learned and to teach information literacy standards to URI students.

Candidates will be required to earn a grade of B or better in each course. A maximum of 3.0 graduate credits will be accepted from another graduate library school program for transfer of credit.

Candidates who already possess an MLIS degree can pursue advanced studies by earning the ILIC and may transfer applicable credits already earned into the certificate program. Candidates without an MLIS may opt to transfer the 15 credits earned for the ILIC into the MLIS program for acceptance toward completion of a Master's degree. Students currently enrolled in the MLIS program may earn the ILIC simultaneously by completing the ILIC Program of Study with their advisor.

Assessment and Evaluation of Program Outcomes:

Educational outcomes will be evaluated on the basis of rubrics and a portfolio. Candidates for the ILIC will:

1. Demonstrate the ability to instruct diverse patrons in the mastery of information literacy, which includes the skills needed to locate, access, use, and evaluate information resources in all formats.
2. Demonstrate competence in using information technologies to access information and provide diverse users with access to information resources in all formats.
3. Communicate effectively using appropriate media, including oral, graphic, and nonverbal.

Applying for the ILIC:

Students currently enrolled in a GSLIS Master's program need only fill out the ILIC POS with their advisor. All others interested in applying must submit the following in the same envelope:

• The application- The application is not currently available electronically. It may be downloaded from the Graduate School here to be completed by hand, indicating intent to enroll in the ILIC program in writing at the top, and then mailed to the address provided with all other applicable materials.
• Check or money order payable to the University of Rhode Island for the non-refundable application fee of $50 for both in-state and out-of-state residents. Your application will not be processed without this fee.
• Complete official transcripts of all coursework (undergraduate and graduate) in an envelope, sealed and signed by the registrar across the flap.
• Two letters of reference in envelopes, sealed and signed by the reference writer across the flap; international students must submit three letters of reference.
• One copy of your current resume.
• The completed Certificate of Residence form if you think you qualify for in-state or regional tuition and fees.