Our instruction librarians work under the theoretical “Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education” from the Association of College and Research Libraries. The framework is based on a “cluster of interconnected core concepts” or threshold concepts within each discipline. The main tenets or frames of this approach are:

We can:

  • facilitate a session with hands-on practice or in a more relaxed “guided” session where librarians are there to support the group as needed
  • create Research Guides tailored to your needs, event, etc. complete with links to the best resources or tips
  • consult with you (one on one) with your research needs, or advise you on database updates or tricky searches
  • meet with your Board of Study, club, or group regarding existing resources or topics of interest (for as long or short as you like)

We can help you:

  • define your information needs
  • create an effective search strategy
  • understand how to evaluate information
  • distinguish scholarly sources from popular or trade sources
  • distinguish between primary and secondary sources
  • apply and understand proper citation conventions
  • understand and avoid plagiarism

To request an information literacy/research skills instruction session for your course, contact your Subject liaison librarian. If your discipline does not have a liaison listed, please contact Kimberly.Detterbeck@purchase.edu, Interim Instruction Coordinator, or fill out the Library Instruction Request Form to schedule a session.