Learning outcomes and offerings

Overarching learning outcomes for instruction program

We strive to embed the following outcomes in all instructional activities. Through engagement with library-led learning opportunities, students should be able to:

1. Value diverse ways of knowing: Respect others by considering the value and limitations of all forms of knowledge.
2. Critically reflect: Reflect on the scope of their own knowledge and investigate perspectives that can broaden that scope.
3. Strategically explore: Search for new and diverse knowledge in inclusive and ethical ways.
4. Identify and evaluate sources and tools: Critically evaluate tools and sources of knowledge before and while using them.
5. Cultivate digital mindsets: Mobilize digital technology for personal and professional empowerment.

Detailed program learning outcomes

1. Value Diverse Ways of Knowing

Respect others by considering the value and limitations of all forms of knowledge and learning. Students should be able to:

1. Examine and critique information privilege, both generally and as members of a university community.
2. Understand the social nature of information and learning, and value knowing through doing and making.
3. Demonstrate respect for diverse forms of knowledge by using situationally appropriate forms of attribution, providing fair compensation, and requesting all necessary permissions.
4. Investigate whose perspectives can fill their knowledge gaps, where those voices are allowed to speak, and how they communicate.

2. Critically Reflect

Students critique the scope of their knowledge and investigate the knowledge sources, technologies, and people who can help them grow. Students should be able to:

1. Use a holistic lens to reflect on what they know, evaluating their sources of knowledge for bias and whether they are exclusionary, contradictory, or incomplete.
2. Develop and maintain an open mind when encountering varied and sometimes conflicting perspectives.
3. Question traditional notions of granting authority and recognize the value of diverse ideas and worldviews.

3. Strategically Explore

Searching for information is often nonlinear and iterative, requiring the evaluation of a range of information sources and the mental flexibility to pursue alternate avenues as new understanding develops. Students should be able to:

1. Address knowledge gaps by articulating a question, search string, prompt, or specific need.
2. Identify the biases of search tools in order to design inclusive search strategies that lead to sources that fill their knowledge gaps.
3. Value persistence, adaptability, and flexibility and recognize that ambiguity can benefit the research process.
4. Acknowledge that searching can be emotional: the process can be overwhelming or inspiring and the product can expose discrimination and violence.

4. Identify and Evaluate Sources and Tools

Critically evaluate tools and sources of knowledge before and while using them. Students should be able to:

1. Differentiate between various source types by examining their characteristics and creation processes.
2. Assess the fit between an information source's or tool's purpose and a particular information need.
3. Evaluate a source's authority, accuracy, and contextual value by assessing how it might be used to misinform, lead, falsify, persuade, promote, or coerce.
4. Identify and select tools that are fit for purpose.

5. Cultivate Digital Mindsets

Mobilize digital technology for personal and professional empowerment. Students should be able to:

1. Integrate digital technology and digital mindsets when interacting with information in their personal and professional life.
2. Develop awareness of technological trends and shifts that impact their life and work in order to critique changes and make informed decisions.
3. Adopt new digital tools that support their learning and research processes.
4. Leverage technologies for making physical or digital creations.