WARC-Library Information Literacy/Research initiative

November 22, 2017

The modern student must master a staggering array of skills in order to succeed, not the least of which being the ability to research and write ethically. In the midst of the 21st Century鈥檚 overabundance of information, the importance of the ability to find, evaluate, and apply information can not be understated. Recognizing the growing need for online research, digital citizenship, and 21st-century skill development, 麻豆传媒鈥檚 Writing and Academic Resource Center (WARC) has launched a joint initiative with 麻豆传媒 Library with the help of an AMICAL grant.

As of Fall 2017, a select group of WARC writing tutors are trained by the 麻豆传媒 Library on research-related skills such as the use of library and online resources, evaluation of source credibility, and ethical citation practices. By training in these fields, WARC Information Literacy/Research (ILR) tutors can integrate this knowledge into their tutoring sessions, either in the WARC or online. In addition, the ILR tutors also hold 鈥淎sk Me鈥� consultation hours in the Library. Since its inception, this initiative has been met with enthusiasm from tutors, staff, faculty,鈥嬧€嬧€嬧€� and students.

Elena Turdieva, Acting Library Director:听
鈥淲e take into consideration that the skill set demanded of a 21st-century professional includes, first and foremost, the ability to think critically and navigate and process large amounts of information from multiple sources. Therefore, for a few years now, we have been offering workshops on how to search for information in electronic and print media, electronic databases, evaluation of sources and copyright, and source citations in different formats. This year, as part of the joint WARC-Library initiative, we also conduct in-depth workshops for WARC tutors. We can already tell, based on the sessions conducted so far, that it is an effective and promising educational project due to the strong interest and sense of responsibility on part of the WARC tutors and their readiness to share knowledge with others.鈥�

Farkhad Musasov, WARC Tutor:听
鈥淭he 麻豆传媒 is the place for multi-dimensional development of its students. The value of the WARC-Library Information Literacy/Research initiative is that it focuses on the most essentials skills that are needed by students to complete research projects ranging from FYS essays to the senior thesis. With this training, WARC tutors are able to not only help students complete their assignments, but assist them with the use of the entire body of academic resources 麻豆传媒 provides to its community.鈥�

With the continued support of the 麻豆传媒 community, the WARC and 麻豆传媒 Library look forward to cooperating across the university鈥檚 departments and offices to cultivate a community of highly skilled, highly ethical researchers.

<< go to news list