What are the most effective ways to integrate information literacy into the curriculum and instruction?

1 Align with standards and frameworks

One of the first steps to integrate information literacy into the curriculum and instruction is to align your goals, outcomes and activities with relevant standards and frameworks. These can be national, regional or institutional, such as the ACRL Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education, the AASL Standards Framework for Learners, or the ISTE Standards for Students. By aligning with these standards and frameworks, you can ensure that your information literacy instruction is consistent, comprehensive and meaningful.

2 Collaborate with faculty and teachers

Another key step to integrate information literacy into the curriculum and instruction is to collaborate with faculty and teachers. They are your partners in designing, delivering and assessing information literacy instruction. You can work with them to identify the information needs and challenges of their students, to embed information literacy into their assignments and syllabi, to co-teach information literacy sessions or modules, and to collect feedback and evidence of learning. By collaborating with faculty and teachers, you can make information literacy relevant, contextual and integrated.

3 Use active and student-centered methods

A third effective way to integrate information literacy into the curriculum and instruction is to use active and student-centered methods. These are methods that engage students in learning by doing, by exploring, by problem-solving, by creating and by reflecting. Some examples of active and student-centered methods are inquiry-based learning, project-based learning, flipped learning, gamified learning and peer learning. By using these methods, you can make information literacy fun, interactive and authentic.

4 Incorporate digital and media literacy

A fourth effective way to integrate information literacy into the curriculum and instruction is to incorporate digital and media literacy. These are complementary skills that enable students to use and create information in various digital and media formats, such as websites, social media, podcasts, videos and infographics. They also involve critical thinking, ethical awareness and civic engagement. Some ways to incorporate digital and media literacy are to teach students how to search, evaluate and cite online sources, how to use digital tools and platforms for information creation and communication, how to analyze and produce media messages and how to participate responsibly and respectfully in online communities. By incorporating digital and media literacy, you can make information literacy more diverse, dynamic and relevant.