Robert Detmering

Trends in the literature on library instruction and information literacy, 2001‐2010

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyze the literature on information literacy and library instruction from 2001‐2010 published in the annual, comprehensive topical bibliography published in Reference Services Review.Design/methodology/approach – The authors examined 3,527 articles contained in the annual bibliography from 2001‐2010 and identified 2,052 which appeared in peer‐reviewed journals. Using the 2,052 articles identified as peer reviewed, the authors then determined the location of the primary author, the journal that published the article, whether the journal was from the discipline of library science, what type of research the article contained, and the key themes present.Findings – The number of articles in peer‐reviewed journals has grown substantially over the ten‐year period. Most articles (70 percent) were published by authors residing in the USA, but articles from Asia and Africa are now being seen on a more consistent basis. Reference Services Review has published the most arti...

Research Papers Have Always Seemed Very Daunting: Information Literacy Narratives and the Student Research Experience

Taking an interdisciplinary approach that draws on narrative theory, composition scholarship, and investigations into the affective dimensions of the research process, this article discusses stories written by college students about their experiences locating, evaluating, and using information in the context of academic research. These narratives provide insight into how students conceptualize the research process and perceive their often tenuous roles as researchers. A textual analysis of a selection of student narratives is included, demonstrating how narrative not only enhances our understanding of the research experience but also enables students to raise larger questions about authenticity and power in the classroom.

Focusing on the Thinking, Not the Tools: Incorporating Critical Thinking Into an Information Literacy Module for an Introduction to Business Course

Two librarians at the University of Louisville explain how a university-wide Quality Enhancement Plan focused on critical thinking led to positive changes in information literacy instruction at their institution. A revised information literacy module for an introductory business course serves as an example of a new instructional approach that emphasizes critical thinking about information, rather than library tools such as catalogs and databases.

Reference in transition: a case study in reference collection development

Purpose – The purpose of this article is to describe the ongoing process of weeding, streamlining, and transforming a very large, print‐based reference collection at the University of Louisvilles William F. Ekstrom Library, focusing in particular on the various issues involved in developing a more timely, focused, and electronic‐oriented collection.Design/methodology/approach – Over the years, the Ekstrom Library reference collection evolved into a large, neglected, print‐based collection that ignored current space needs and user preferences for digital sources. To address this, the reference department developed a new, cooperative approach to reference collection development and weeding to improve the user experience and address serious space issues.Findings – To achieve a more usable reference collection, the reference department needed to rethink the philosophy behind the collection and completely rewrite the collection development policy. These changes have facilitated the creation of a smaller, more...

Library instruction and information literacy 2011

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide a selected bibliography of recent resources on library instruction and information literacy.Design/methodology/approach – The paper introduces and annotates periodical articles, monographs, and audiovisual material examining library instruction and information literacy.Findings – Information is provided about each source, and the paper discusses the characteristics of current scholarship, and describes sources that contain unique scholarly contributions and quality reproductions.Originality/value – The information may be used by librarians and interested parties as a quick reference to literature on library instruction and information literacy.

Library instruction and information literacy 2010

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide a selected bibliography of recent resources on library instruction and information literacy.Design/methodology/approach – The paper introduces and annotates periodical articles, monographs, and audiovisual material examining library instruction and information literacy.Findings – Information about each source is provided. The paper discusses the characteristics of current scholarship, and describes sources that contain unique scholarly contributions and quality reproductions.Originality/value – The information in the paper may be used by librarians and interested parties as a quick reference to literature on library instruction and information literacy.

Library instruction and information literacy 2009

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide a selected bibliography of recent resources on library instruction and information literacy.Design/methodology/approach – The paper introduces and annotates periodical articles, monographs, and audiovisual material examining library instruction and information literacy.Findings – The paper provides information about each source, discusses the characteristics of current scholarship, and describes sources that contain unique scholarly contributions and quality reproductions.Originality/value – The information may be used by librarians and interested parties as a quick reference to literature on library instruction and information literacy.

Exploring the Political Dimensions of Information Literacy through Popular Film

Certain popular films contextualize the access, use, and interpretation of information within a political and social framework. As a result, these films function as alternative pedagogical sites for analysis and critique, facilitating critical thinking about information beyond the library and the classroom, and leading students to a deeper understanding of the fundamental need for information literacy. A conceptual basis for the consideration of film in politically engaged information literacy instruction is provided, supported by a discussion of three relevant films: Jason Reitman’s Thank You for Smoking (2006), Joel and Ethan Coen’s Burn after Reading (2008), and Oliver Stone’s W. (2008).

Library instruction and information literacy 2013

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide a selected bibliography of recent resources on library instruction and information literacy. Design/methodology/approach – Introduces and annotates English-language periodical articles, monographs and other materials on library instruction and information literacy published in 2013. Findings – Provides information about each source, discusses the characteristics of current scholarship and describes sources that contain unique scholarly contributions and quality reproductions. Originality/value – The information may be used by librarians and interested parties as a quick reference to literature on library instruction and information literacy.

Library instruction and information literacy 2012

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide a selected bibliography of recent resources on library instruction and information literacy. Design/methodology/approach – Introduces and annotates periodical articles, monographs, and audiovisual material examining library instruction and information literacy. Findings – Provides information about each source, discusses the characteristics of current scholarship, and describes sources that contain unique scholarly contributions and quality reproductions. Originality/value – The information may be used by librarians and interested parties as a quick reference to literature on library instruction and information literacy.