UF builds a new generation of ‘information literacy’ scholars

In the age of social media, undergraduate students at colleges around the world are constantly inundated with information they may take as gospel. How can students learn to determine which sources are credible when they are flooded with false facts online? By becoming experts in the emerging field of information literacy.

Recognizing students’ need for this type of education, the University of Florida’s George A. Smathers Libraries joined forces with the Innovation Academy to create the first Information Literacy Scholars Program this fall. Students in the inaugural cohort of the six-week program, equipped with the advanced research and critical evaluation skills needed for determining legitimate sources in the digital landscape, graduated in mid-October.

“Through this program, students are not just learning to research and cite effectively; they are gaining a deeper understanding of how to engage with information responsibly and make informed decisions,” said Lucy Searcy, an advisor with UF’s Innovation Academy – a living-learning community that helps students develop 21st-century skills and innovative mindsets. “This knowledge is vital for those aiming to create ethical and long-lasting impacts in their fields. Reliable consumption of information equips our scholars with the analytical skills to challenge assumptions, question biases, and validate the authenticity of their resources.”

According to the Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education, information literacy is defined as the “reflective discovery of information, the understanding of how information is produced and valued, and the use of information in creating new knowledge and participating ethically in communities of learning.”

UF’s Information Literacy Scholars Program departs from traditional, one-time library instruction models, providing students with an immersive, learner-centered environment and one-on-one mentorship from librarians. Twelve undergraduate students in the program engaged deeply with the research process in various ways – from completing hands-on workshops to delivering accessible PowerPoint presentations on a diverse range of topics, such as energy policies, fracking, and social media trends.

At the end of the program, participants received a certificate recognizing them as information literacy scholars. Students were encouraged to add their new title to their resumes and use the experience as a talking point in future interviews for internships, graduate schools, and post-college careers.

“As library instruction and information literacy continue to be at the core of our mission in academic libraries, we are thrilled with the outcomes of the Information Literacy Scholars Program,” said Patricia Takacs, one of the librarians in the program. “This initiative represents a significant step forward in our efforts to empower students and reimagine our work in higher education.”

Searcy agreed.

“This program aligns with the mission of the Innovation Academy to foster creativity and a commitment to positive change. By grounding their work in a foundation of integrity and accuracy, students can build projects, initiatives, and policies that contribute meaningfully to their communities and society at large,” Searcy said. “We believe that these information literacy skills will empower our scholars, not just academically but in every facet of their lives, as informed and ethical changemakers.”

For more information about the Information Literacy Scholars Program, click here.