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Literacies

University Libraries have a range of initiatives to help faculty design and embed literacy curriculum in their courses, to prepare students for careers as thoughtful, effective communicators and content creators.

 Information Literacy

The ACRL's Framework for Information Literacy provides an extended definition of information literacy:

"Information literacy is 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."

The libraries use a tiered approach to information literacy instruction, reaching students at three main touchpoints:



Lampposts: Library Basics
Students are introduced to the basics of academic libraries in their New Student Experience courses. Instructors have the option to embed the Library Lamppost Online Learning Modules into their Canvas courses. Each module, or lamppost, represents a topic that will help light the way on the path toward using the library for academic research.

 


Light bulb: Research Basics
Students are introduced to the basics of academic research in their first year writing course (among other lower-level courses). The light bulb represents the next level of research skills and includes things like creating a research strategy and evaluating authoritative information. These concepts are conveyed in the classroom as well as through online learning modules, videos, and guides.

 


                Spotlight


Spotlight: Research in the Disciplines
Students are introduced to advanced academic research skills by working with research librarians in upper-level courses specific to their discipline. The spotlight represents the in-depth instruction, research guides, advanced search strategies, and research consultations provided by the research & engagement librarians.

Data Literacy

The ACRL's Framework for Information Literacy provides an extended definition of information literacy:

"Information literacy is 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."

This definition of information literacy applies equally well for all source types, including data.

The Baylor Libraries help scholars become literate in

  • Understanding data
  • Finding and obtaining data
  • Reading, interpreting, and evaluating data
  • Managing data
  • Using data

We teach these literacies through our Data Scholar Program and Summer Data Research Fellows Program.

Data Scholars ProgramThe Baylor University Library’s Data Scholar Program is a collection of self-paced data & digital scholarship video modules designed specifically to meet the needs of the Baylor research community. Modules are offered in the following 5 categories: (1) Data Visualization, (2) Qualitative Data Analysis/Test Data Mining, (3) Data Scripting, (4) Research Data Management, and (5) Finding Secondary Data.

Data Research Fellow ProgramThis intensive and funded Summer Fellowship program is a broad survey of applied research methods and tools involving both structured (i.e., data tables) and unstructured (i.e., text, multimedia) data.  Fellows earn an official non-credit Baylor Certificate in the Fundamentals of Data Research while working directly with our instructors to integrate and apply these new skills into a research project which is highlighted in a short presentation in the fall following the program.

Maker Literacy

Moody Library's Makerspace provides "experiential learning" opportunities: learning by reflecting on doing. Projects are very often problem- or inquiry-based. Work in these literacies aims to empower students as creators and innovators through activities involving fabrication tools and digital creation technologies. Projects have benefits including: 1. developing skills, talents, and dispositions that offer students a competitive advantage in the workplace; 2. trans-disciplinary activities that connect the dots between students' learning across classes, years, and disciplines; and 3. potential for real-world application and entrepreneurship.

Moody's maker space emphasizes digital fabrication, including 3-D printers, a laser cutter/engraver, CNC router, vinyl cutter, soldering station, hand tools, and a work table.

Our team can assist with the full curriculum development process, including selecting relevant learning objectives, developing rubrics and assessment strategies, instructional design, orientations and workshops, project coaching with students, and project review.

Learn more at libguides.baylor.edu/makerspace

Media Literacy

Moody Library's Media Lab provides "experiential learning" opportunities: learning by reflecting on doing. Projects are very often problem- or inquiry-based. Work in these literacies aims to empower students as creators and innovators through activities involving fabrication tools and digital creation technologies. Projects have benefits including: 1. developing skills, talents, and dispositions that offer students a competitive advantage in the workplace; 2. trans-disciplinary activities that connect the dots between students' learning across classes, years, and disciplines; and 3. potential for real-world application and entrepreneurship.

The Media Lab has audio and video recording studios, A/V equipment for reservation, and computers for editing and rendering.

Our team can assist with the full curriculum development process, including selecting relevant learning objectives, developing rubrics and assessment strategies, instructional design, orientations and workshops, project coaching with students, and project review.

Learn more at libguides.baylor.edu/medialab

University Libraries

One Bear Place #97148
Waco, TX 76798-7148

(254) 710-6702