Faculty FAQ

The Information Literacy Assessment (ILAS) was implemented by the College in 2004 as a measure of students’ ability to find, retrieve, analyze and use information. The competency-based assessment, which reflects standards published by the Association of College and Research Libraries, is maintained by the Assessment and Certification Centers and periodically updated by librarians at Florida Community College.

Where can I refer students who have specific questions about the ILAS or how to prepare for it?

Information Literacy Student FAQ answers questions about the ILAS in great detail, ranging from what information literacy is to how long the ILAS takes. Additionally, students are encouraged to contact any FCCJ librarian in person, by telephone or by e-mail to ask questions about how to prepare for the ILAS, questions about the content of the Information Literacy course in Blackboard or questions about how to access the course. Students should contact an Assessment and Certification Center with questions about completing the actual assessment. A student with questions about his/her status with respect to the ILAS requirement should contact Counseling and Advising.

How can I help students learn about information literacy and encourage them to complete the ILAS?

• Recommend that students visit the library or contact a librarian about information literacy, the Information Literacy Assessment and research-related learning assistance.

• Emphasize to students that material learned during preparation for the ILAS will make them better researchers and can have a strong positive impact on their success in college.

• Refer students to the Information Literacy and Information Literacy Assessment (ILAS) Web page for ILAS information and instructions on accessing study material; post links to this Web page on your Blackboard class site.

• Schedule a library orientation for your class; incorporate information literacy in your syllabus and assignments to align course curriculum with Information Literacy Outcomes.

• Suggest that students frequently check their online degree audit in Connections/Artemis, the student portal, to track degree requirements for their specific program of study.

• Mention the one-credit LIS class (LIS 1002 Information Literacy ) as an option for students who may not be self-directed learners or who prefer a structured approach to ILAS preparation.

• Encourage students to meet regularly with a counselor or advisor to develop a customized plan for the student.

• Offer extra credit for attending an information literacy workshop and/or taking the ILAS.

• Remind and encourage students to attend the variety of free ILAS workshops, help sessions and events held at the library that focus on ILAS assistance college-wide.

• Encourage students to make appointments to take the ILAS at an Assessment Center. Walk-ins are accepted at some Centers, but several Centers offer the ILAS by appointment only, so it is important to call ahead. Note: at this time the Deerwood Center does not offer the ILAS.

• Encourage students to take the ILAS early in their college career, as the assessment is required of degree-seeking students and can delay program completion.