Information Literacy at CMCC
Defining Information Literacy
The Association of College & Research Libraries (ACRL) defines information literacy as a set of conceptual understandings, demonstrated through skills, related to using, evaluating, and creating information (ACRL Framework).
At Central Maine Community College (CMCC), our goal is for students to graduate with the ability to think critically about the information they encounter—whether in their courses, future careers, or everyday lives. The Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education outlines core concepts that students will engage with throughout their studies.
Moving Beyond “One-Shot” Instruction
Research shows that the traditional one-time library instruction session—often called a “one-shot”—is not the most effective way to teach information literacy. Attempting to cover everything in a single class leaves students overwhelmed and unprepared.
Instead, finding reliable sources for papers, bibliographies, speeches, and projects is best learned gradually, through repeated practice across multiple courses and assignments. Many students arrive at college with little to no prior exposure to information literacy, making ongoing support especially important.
Microlearning for Research Success
Instruction is most effective when broken into small, focused lessons that address specific learning outcomes. These “microlearning” activities can be integrated into courses or assigned as homework to reinforce classroom learning.
Examples of microlearning strategies include:
- Short videos on accessing resources in a specific discipline.
- Tip sheets, handouts/tutorials, and quick-start guides with research strategies.
- Database tutorials that provide hands-on practice.
These small interventions build knowledge step by step, supporting students more effectively than a single, comprehensive session.
Timing Instruction for Impact
To maximize effectiveness, schedule information literacy instruction when students are beginning their research—not at the start of the semester. Faculty are encouraged to structure instruction across a course, program, or series of assignments.
This ensures that students learn research skills at the moment they need them, making the instruction more relevant and applicable.
Collaborating with Librarians
Faculty and librarians can work together to embed instruction directly into courses. Librarians can provide:
- Videos, handouts, and resource guides tailored to assignments.
- Instructional modules that can be integrated into Brightspace.
- Support for follow-up questions through in-person consultations, Teams meetings, email, or phone.
With sufficient lead time, librarians can customize instructional materials to meet the needs of your students.
Learning Commons Instruction Sessions
If you would like your class to visit the Learning Commons for a targeted instructional session, please:
- Contact the librarians in advance.
- Share a copy of your assignment.
This allows librarians to design a session that directly supports your students’ research needs.
