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Information Literacy

An information literate individual is able to: Determine the extent of information needed; Access needed information; Evaluate information critically; Incorporate selected information into knowledge base; Use information ethically and legally. (ACRL 2009)

Information Literacy Courses

IL 170 – Library Research Strategies (1 hour)

Designed to both introduce & improve basic library research skills using the print & automated information retrieval resources of the University Library. Additional in-depth analysis of database sources, the ability to construct search strategies, & evaluation of materials are covered. Likewise, search methods in many subject disciplines are explored.

IL 171 – Internet Research Strategies (1 hour)

Designed to both introduce and improve research strategies for finding scholarly information on the Internet, including resources in the Invisible Web that cannot be accessed with standard search engines such as Google. Students will learn to formulate and modify an effective research strategy, investigate the theory behind the research process, and critically evaluate electronic resources based on appropriate criteria.


IL 172 – Advanced Research Strategies (1 hour)

Designed to introduce and improve advanced research strategies for students that have completed IL 170. Students will focus on research in the disciplines and create artifacts for an identified discipline. This course is ideal for students that are interested in designing a research plan for publication.


IL 174 – Trace Your Family History (1 hour)


This is an introductory course in family and personal history research methods, designed to explore the role of the local or family historian. Students will use historical or genealogical research techniques to trace their own roots and study their own family histories as far back as possible. They will learn to see their history as shaped by historical change, including immigration, social and political struggles, and local, national and ethnic histories.