Information Literacy Summit - Problem Solving in our Communities

I attended the Information Literacy Summit at Illinois State University on April 20th. This year’s theme was “Problem Solving in our Communities: Everyday Information Experiences.” It was my 6th summit (there have been 9), and I my perception is that information literacy is evolving in Illinois. The earlier summits focused on IL basics—definitions, developing plans, locating resources and then morphed into best practices/applications. Now the direction seems to be shifting again—this time toward integrating IL into Gen Ed requirements and developing an awareness of IL as lifelong critical thinking skills.

There were two questions in the first session I attended on Critical Inquiry that really clicked for me. How can librarians help students create an identity as a researcher, and secondly, how do we become part of students learning communities? I’ve been thinking a lot about the second question lately, but had never fully articulated the first. (Thanks Jennifer and Joyce, presenters of the session, for solidifying it for me!) I think these are two of the core questions that all librarians will be considering as the profession continues to be influenced by technology trends.

More information about the summits and presentation is available through their Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/infolitsummit.