Faculty Resources

Grace Library is dedicated to supporting student success through the development of dispositions and knowledge practices that comprise information literacy. The Association of College & Research Libraries defines information literacy as: 

"...the set of integrated abilities encompassing the reflective discovery of information, the understanding of how information is produced and valued, and the use of information in creating new knowledge and participating ethically in communities of learning."

To achieve this goal, members of the Center for Teaching, Research, and Learning staff can work with faculty to provide library instruction and information literacy programs and services tailored to the individual needs of students, faculty, and staff.

To learn more about our Information Literacy & Instruction policy, please visit this page.

Library instruction is based on the following principles:

• Instruction modules and sessions will be learner-centered, collaborative, and interactive, using a variety of methods and technologies to engage learners and accommodate diverse learning styles and preferences.
• Library instruction will be aligned with the Association of college and Research Libraries (ACRL) Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education, which identifies the following six core concepts:
  • authority is constructed and contextual,
  • information creation as a process,
  • information has value,
  • research as inquiry,
  • scholarship as conversation, and
  • searching as strategic exploration.
• Library instruction will be supported by a collection of instructional materials that are relevant, current, authoritative, accessible, and diverse. 

A suite of pre-made Niche Academy tutorials focusing on Information Literacy and Library Instruction are available for instructors to build into their curriculum, as needed. Custom-made tutorials and content can also be created. Current available tutorials include:

• Information Literacy and Library Skills
• Reliable Sources
• Library Resources: What are They? How do I Use Them?
• Developing a Research Question
• Advanced Search Strategies and Research Techniques

Librarians are available to consult with faculty and instructors as they develop research-based assignments or assessments. Contact Richard Brzustowicz (rrbrzustowicz@carlow.edu) to start the conversation or schedule a Preliminary Library Instruction Discussion session with Richard.