Librarians as Co-Teachers and Curators: Integrating Information Literacy in a Studio Art Course at a Liberal Arts College

Abstract

The authors describe a faculty-librarian team-teaching approach to building information literacy in a studio class. Information literacy was written into the course goals and integrated throughout the semester. Through a series of assignments, students explored the connection between research and art-making, and they developed a clear sense of the various backgrounds against which their artwork might be understood as a contribution or response. Through exhibiting their work in library spaces, they confronted curatorial challenges faced by practicing artists. The close and ongoing collaboration resulted in better creative work from students and led to further pedagogical and curricular innovations.