This academic year, the BMCC library department introduced a new, fully asynchronous information literacy program. This program replaced the former “one-shot” model of library instruction. This new model was created out of a need for scalability. This new program allows every student at BMCC to get exposed to needed information literacy and research skills through the various information literacy toolkits that can be embedded by faculty in their learning management system (Blackboard). The program can be found on the BMCC OpenLab under the title “BMCC Library Information Literacy Program.”
The homepage of the BMCC Information Literacy Program OpenLab site.
Framework
The toolkits that make up the program are designed around four information literacy skills competencies that students are expected to obtain after being introduced to and utilizing the toolkits. The competencies demonstrate how to scaffold the toolkit modules into a course syllabus. To assist faculty with utilizing the toolkits and ensuring students are being exposed to the appropriate modules to retain each competency, the following description and chart was created:
Module 1 – Introduction to BMCC Library Resources, and Module 2 – Research Process: Exploration through Questions
Competency 1 – Develop and demonstrate the skills necessary to effectively navigate the BMCC library site and utilize its services.
Module 3 – Searching Library Databases
Competency 2 – Efficiently identify, access, and search relevant library databases to retrieve scholarly and credible information pertinent to a research query.
Module 4 – Evaluating Information
Competency 3 – Critically assess the relevance, credibility, accuracy, and reliability of information sources.
Module 5 – Citing Sources
Competency 4 – Correctly and ethically cite sources, adhering to the appropriate citation style, to avoid plagiarism and give proper credit to information creators.
| Toolkit | Competency 1 | Competency 2 | Competency 3 | Competency 4 |
| General Research Skills | Basic Skills Module #1 and 2 | Basic Skills Module #3 | Basic Skills Module # 4 | Basic Skills Module #5 |
We believe these competencies and the toolkits of the asynchronous information literacy program will provide the students of BMCC with valuable information literacy skills that will allow them to maximize their academic performance. Please take the time to look through the site and get a head start on incorporating the modules into your Blackboard for spring 2024.
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