Objective
The objective of teaching and training in information literacy at the University of Akureyri Library is to ensure that students are information literate.
According to the definition of the American Librarians Association (Presidential Committee on Information Literacy. Final Report. Chicago: American Library Association, 1989), an individual is information literate when he recognizes when information is needed and has the ability to locate, evaluate, and use effectively the needed information. An information literate individual knows how to learn and acquire knowledge but it is also important that he is able to utilise this knowledge in the future. Information literacy skills support and contribute to lifelong learning.
The role of teaching and training information literacy is to introduce students to the library and the information sources in both digital and printed form, that it provides access to and teach students to utilise them during their university studies. Emphasis is also placed on evaluating the quality of the information and the ability of the students to utilise the sources in systematic manner.
Emphasis is placed on offering all students at the university instruction and training in information literacy both at the inception of study and also later on e.g. because of work on final projects. Its objective is always to be that of contributing to the acquisition of proficiency in information literacy by students far and near so that they will as soon as possible become able to help themselves in searches for sources and information.
Freshman Week
At the very beginning, i.e. during the first week of the first semester, during the freshman week, students receive an introduction to the services, the library collection and the reading and work facilities of the library. Students receive instruction in Gegnir, the home page of the library is also presented and a brief demonstration of the databases and e-journals that the library has access to. At the end students do practical exercises under the supervision of the instructor.
Classes in Information Literacy
User instruction is also conducted in information literacy classes connected to specific courses in the curriculum. The courses are selected in consultation with teachers of the faculties. Teachers interested in such cooperation are kindly advised to contact the library staff. The aim is to have at least one course during every academic year connected to information literacy teaching. For students who have selected their subjects of specialisation during the second or third year the teaching focuses on specialised databases and information searching within their specialised studies. Teaching in the third/fourth year aims at the preparation of students final projects.
Courses and Supportive Material
Apart from classes in information literacy connected to specific courses, practical exercises are offered in specific databases and programmes, for students wanting to acquire more knowledge or do some reviewing.
Personnel
Teachers and other university personnel can also request introductory presentations and courses in individual databases or e-journal collections.
Teaching and training supervisor in information literacy is Astrid Margrét Magnúsdóttir
Tel.: 460 8051 - Fax: 460 8994
