Hal Loewen (Librarian): PT and ACRL Framework

Overview

Information literacy instruction in the Masters of Physical Therapy program uses the  Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education as its guide. The Framework informs how information literacy is introduced, taught, and evaluated.

Goals

1. identify the the information literacy needs in the MPT program
2. identify where those needs line up with the core concepts identified in the ACRL Framework 
3. develop information literacy instruction classes and units using the Framework as a guide, this includes providing: established goals for the class/unit; enduring understandings for the class/unit; essential questions for the class/unit; knowledge, skills, and values for the lesson; and how the lesson will be assessed
4. make this information and process transparent

Orientation - introduction to the Neil John Maclean Health Science Library, the librarians and librarian assistants, and the importance of Information Literacy to them as students and eventual professionals.

Frameworks:

1. Authority is Constructed and Contextual
2. Research as Inquiry

Basic Searching - based on an information need demonstrate the ability to select the appropriate information resource, develop a search strategy, search that resource, revise the search strategy if needed in order to find the information if needed. (see also  ACRL Information Literacy Standards for Higher Education standard 2.0 for more information).

Frameworks:

1. Research as Inquiry
2. Searching as Strategic Exploration

Advanced Searching - based on an information need demonstrate the ability to use advanced search methods (i.e. adjacency searching, nesting, etc.) as well as applying filters to searches to find very specific types of information.

Frameworks:

1. Research as Inquiry
2. Searching as Strategic Exploration
3. Scholarship as Conversation

Searching for Systematic/Scoping Reviews - based on information need demonstrate the ability to identify the components of, plan, and execute a systematic or scoping review search

Frameworks:

1. Research as Inquiry
2. Searching as Strategic Exploration

Searching for Qualitative Best Evidence Information - based on information need demonstrate the ability to identify the components of, plan, and execute a search looking for best evidence qualitative information

Frameworks:

1. Research as Inquiry
2. Searching as Strategic Exploration

Information Storage and Retrieval - demonstrate the ability to collect, store, and retrieve information collected from a variety of sources

Frameworks:

1. Information Has Value
2. Information Creation as a Process

Citation Management - demonstrate the ability to correctly cite all type of other information sources in the style needed

Frameworks:

1. Information has Value

Information literacy instruction in the College of Rehabilitation Science uses the  Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education as its guide. The Framework informs how information literacy is introduced, taught, and evaluated. The above box, MPT Information Literacy Framework Mapping maps frames from the Framework to the information literacy sessions taught in the MPT program

The understanding and teaching of Information literacy has changed with the adoption the Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education, however the ACRL Information Literacy Competency Standards for Higher Education still provides valuable information of information literacy. These standards have been used in conjunction with the Framework to establish a full understanding of information literacy.