Information Literacy Assessment in K-12 Settings

New technologies and simple logic have made school librarians into experts in information literacy, and they are now charged with ensuring students learn how to determine their information needs, appropriately access information, analyze data, and apply that analysis. Farmer (library media teaching, California State U., Long Beach) and Henri (education, U. of Hong Kong) investigate the factors affecting information literacy along with practical matters such as finding assessment tools and taking into account global and cultural contexts. They take a systematic approach as they defines information literacy according to skill level and age, locate information literacy in learning and assessment, describe the role of assessment and assessment processes, and address problems in assessing information literacy. The chapter that compares existing assessment instruments includes resources, descriptions and full access information, making it particularly helpful for those just beginning to conduct assessments. Annotation c2008 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Dr. Lesley S.J. Farmer, Professor at California State University Long Beach, coordinates the Library Media Teacher program. Dr. Farmer chairs the IASL Information Literacy SIG and serves in leadership roles within the American Library Association and other professional organizations.

James Henri was teacher librarian in one of the first open plan secondary schools in Australia. He is currently Associate Professor in the Faculty of Education at the University of Hong Kong.