Information literacy in a biology laboratory session: An example of librarian–faculty collaboration

Abstract

This paper describes a collaboration between librarians and the biology department to create a science information literacy component in a general biology laboratory. The objectives, planning, and execution of the program are outlined. The program was assessed in two ways: by judging the quality of the students' final reports and by a student feedback questionnaire. Both forms of evaluation indicate that the goals of the program were met. The assessment also indicated areas for improvement, such as moving the session earlier in the semester and broadening the range of topics to reduce overlap among the groups. Overall, this initial attempt to incorporate information literacy in the general biology course was deemed a success.