A Practical Guide to Information Literacy Assessment for Academic Librarians

by Carolyn J. Radcliff

Information literacy assessment applies to a number of contexts in the higher education institutional curricula, information literacy programs, information literacy courses, course-integrated information literacy instruction, and stand-alone information literacy workshops and online tutorials. This practical guide provides an overview of the assessment planning; selection and development of tools; and analysis and reporting of data. An assessment-decision chart helps readers match appropriate assessment tools and strategies with learning outcomes and instructional settings. Assessment tools, organized by type, are accompanied by case studies. Various information literacy standards are referenced, with emphasis given to ACRL's Information Literacy Competency Standards for Higher Education.

Genres: Nonfiction, Librarianship, Teaching

196 pages, Paperback

First published June 30, 2007

Reviews

[Jenny (Reading Envy) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a solid overview of information literacy assessment for academic librarians, including detailed descriptions of specific tools with pros/cons of each. There are brief bibliographies but I kept wishing there were lists of good case studies for each type of assessment. There is a lot of great literature out there, and this book would have been more helpful with a more in-depth overview.

I also felt like it was missing connection to wider educational theory, and started with the assumption that there is information literacy that needs to be assessed. I guess it can't do everything.

I got this through interlibrary loan but will be ordering a copy for my library, because I can see referencing it multiple times.

[CraftyBirdies · Rating 5 out of 5]

I swear this good review isn't because I know/worked with the authors. It's because this book does a great job of being exactly what it claims: a PRACTICAL guide. There are so many hands on tips that librarians can apply directly into their assessment and IL programs, it's worth it to read and add to your librarian collection!

[Tyff · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book.. so much so that I ordered a copy for my collection as well as a personal copy so the library copy wont just hide in my office.

Very practical and easy to read- the perfect manual to get acquainted with basic assessment techniques. What I found most useful is the section on interpreting data and writing the final assessment report. While I have done both of these before, its a nice refresher for those that have experience and an excellent blue print for newbies.

I highly suggest purchasing this book if you are directly involved with assessment efforts at your library.