‘Information literacy is the foundation of academic success’

Andrea Cameron is Concordia Library’s teaching & learning librarian

In January 2018, Concordia students entering the Webster and Vanier libraries were asked what they found challenging about library research and what they would want to learn in a workshop.

The top answers were: using search engines/databases, searching for good academic articles, finding books and citing.

While many Concordia professors impart research skills and information literacy in the classroom, subject librarians play a complementary role — delivering instruction and answering detailed questions students have when they undertake specific projects and assignments.

The Concordia Library’s workshops for students combine essential research skills with critical thinking.

As teaching & learning librarian, I highly encourage professors to stress to their students the importance of information literacy as the foundation for academic success.

Information literacy powers lifelong learning and civic engagement

Librarians help students navigate the rigours of academic research, understand the importance of peer reviewed studies, and acquire the necessary skills to use databases.

But beyond laying the groundwork to help them excel in their academic assignments, librarians can also provide students with the information literacy necessary to be informed, lifelong learners and fully engaged citizens in today’s publishing and political landscape.

This is especially important given the current 24/7 news cycle and the ensuing need for critical evaluation of information available to us.

For instance, if a researcher makes a similar claim in a peer-reviewed article and on their blog, are they equally quotable? How do paywalls and filter bubbles shape information access?

These questions and more will be addressed during the Concordia Library workshop series. Plus, each workshop ends with an optional 20-minute period for students to discuss their particular research questions.

Help us spread the word to students! 

The new Concordia Library workshops run until February 20. Students can register online. For additional information, contact Andrea Cameron at: andrea (dot) Cameron (at) Concordia (dot) ca.