Information literacy is the umbrella term for Rowan University Libraries' user education program.  This program supports the Rowan community by providing course-related instruction, tours, and tutorials which raise student, faculty and staff awareness and use of library resources.

Request Course Related Instruction/Orientation | Instructional Tutorials (coming soon!)

Why Information Literacy?

From the ACRL Information Literacy Competency Standards for Higher Education. Approved January 18, 2000. Chicago, IL: ACRL,

"Information literacy forms the basis for lifelong learning. It is common to all disciplines, to all learning environments, and to all levels of education. It enables learners to master content and extend their investigations, become more self-directed, and assume greater control over their own learning. An information literate student will be able to:

• Determine the nature and extent of information needed.
• Access needed information effectively and efficiently.
• Evaluate information and its sources critically and incorporate selected information into his or her knowledge base and value system.
• Use information effectively to accomplish a specific purpose.
• Understand the economic, legal, and social issues surrounding the use of information and access and use information ethically and legally."

The Instructional Team librarians, as well as all the librarians who man the reference desk, are engaging with students on a regular basis to promote the critical evaluation of information.  The instructional librarians plan orientations that aim to help students acquire the learning outcomes noted above.