The following is the third report of the Information Competence Work Group to the Commission on Learning Resources and Instructional Technology.
The Commission on Learning Resources and Instructional Technology (CLRIT) was charged with developing and recommending policy guidelines to the Chancellor which facilitate the effective uses of learning resources and instructional technology throughout the CSU. In January of 1993, under the umbrella of CLRIT, the Council of Library Directors (COLD), in desiring to create a plan which would take the CSU libraries well into the twenty-first century, began a strategic planning process. This resulted in Transforming CSU Libraries for the 21st Century: A Strategic Plan of the CSU Council of Library Directors.
One of the areas identified for needed action was information competence which is considered by librarians to be a critical skill for all students. The plan states that the CSU needs to "establish basic competence levels in the use of recorded knowledge and information and processes for assessment of student competence". CLRIT approved the strategic plan of the CSU libraries and identified the area of information competence as a high priority. Accordingly, CLRIT requested the Office of Academic Affairs to form a work group which would address the issue of information competence.
The Information Competence Work Group began its study in April, 1995. Literature was reviewed, experts consulted and a workshop occurred which included representatives from every campus. In December of 1995, the Information Competence Work Group provided a report to CLRIT called Information Competence in the CSU. The report outlined the charge to the work group, defined information competence, provided information about the importance of the subject, analyzed methods for implementing a program in information competence and discussed the issues, both cultural and academic, which would encourage or inhibit a program on information competence. Most importantly, the Information Competence Work Group made recommendations for future action and requested that the Information Competence Work Group be permitted to move forward with campus consultation and also be permitted to return in June, 1996 with a plan of action for the future.
CLRIT accepted the report on Information Competence in the CSU and cleared the Information Competence Work Group to move forward on campus consultation and on returning with an action plan. Consultation has occurred with the CSU Academic Senate and also, through the Council of Library Directors, on every campus. The CSU Academic Senate and the campuses provided valuable consultation to us which we have taken into account in the future development of this program.
The Information Competence Work Group believes that information competence will succeed as a priority for the CSU if awareness is consistently raised about the issues and importance of information competence and if information about the successes and problems of various programs is continually shared. Therefore, the Information Competence Work Group has taken a four-pronged approach to developing information competence in the CSU. The four elements are:
The encouragement of programs: This includes the development of courses or other programs and workshops which cover the wide variety of issues relating to information competence. All programs should have an assessment component.
The transfer of knowledge about information competence: This includes providing information on the successes and failures of various programs, new thinking on information competence, teaching the teachers programs and assessment.
The linkages between programs both within and beyond the CSU: This includes any multi-campus effort or collaboration between the CSU and other universities, schools or agencies.
The creation and provision of tools to assist with information competence: This includes the creation of workbooks, software, model lists or any other instructional tool to assist with the teaching and learning of information competence.
University Community Awareness: The Information Competence Initiative in the CSU was the topic of speeches given by Lorie Roth at the California Library Association and by Sue Curzon at the California Academic and Research Libraries Association. Lorie Roth has also submitted a proposal to AAHE for a panel at the March conference. In addition the Information Competence Workgroup has agreed to co-host a regional conference on information competence at the invitation of Patricia Breivik, a national expert in information competence and the author of Information Literacy.
First Proposal: In the Summer of 96, we awarded the first grant to a multi-campus consortium led by Paul Adalian of San Luis Obispo and including Pomona, Monterey Bay, Fullerton, and Los Angeles.
This project is developing classroom multi-media presentations, collaborative in-class exercises, and self-paced WWW instructional modules and electronic workbook component. Discipline specific information competencies will be integrated also into a new 3 unit course on information competence.
New Proposals: In February, the Information Competence Work Group will be meeting with a group of campuses to discuss additional efforts in the development of information competence. These range from discipline specific courses to distance learning to outreach to high schools and community colleges.
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