Teaching Information Literacy

All of the reading for this week has definitely given me a lot to think about, and now that I finally have some time, I can maybe even do something about my enthusiasm for planning lessons on the topic of IL. The discussion of the Google Generation is one that is very timely, though a lot of issues regarding SLMCs have been discussed somewhere out there lately. However, just this morning, I demonstrated the usefulness of Google over other search strategies. Not intentionally, but if I'd thought of it, I would have. Google is a great tool, one which keeps adding new features and abilities, many of which I still don't know much about. But since so many students are already using Google and other similar search engines, it makes sense to build on their knowledge in this venue and then extend it to other areas, such as databases. It seems like students would have more respect for someone who lets them use their preferred methods of research (albeit with a few twists) rather than forcing them to use other, "strange" methods. This is not to say that the use of databases should not be encouraged, because there are many resources that can only be found through the use of databases, but that the two methods can work together.

One of the first steps in adding IL training to the curriculum, either in an elementary or secondary setting, is most likely educating teachers and administrators, which in my mind is the harder part of the process. Children and young adults are often more open to trying new things, particularly if they are "encouraged" to as part of an assignment. It's harder to give teachers assignments or even get enough time to try to convince them why they should be supporting what might seem like a major change in curriculum, particularly if the library has previously been seen as a "special" or babysitting. But these are some of the challenges that make this such an enticing and rewarding career, right?