How can information literacy educators collaborate with researchers across disciplines?

1 Identify common goals

One of the first steps to collaborate with researchers across disciplines is to identify the common goals and interests that IL can support. For example, IL can help researchers to improve their information literacy, research skills, data management, scholarly communication, digital literacy, critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity and innovation. By aligning IL with these goals, IL educators can demonstrate the relevance and value of IL for different disciplines and establish a shared vision and language for collaboration.

3 Adapt and integrate IL frameworks and standards

A third step to collaborate with researchers across disciplines is to adapt and integrate IL frameworks and standards to the specific needs and contexts of each discipline. IL frameworks and standards provide a common foundation and guidance for IL education, but they are not prescriptive or fixed. They can be modified, interpreted and applied according to the disciplinary norms, conventions and expectations. For example, IL educators can use the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education as a starting point, but then customize it to reflect the disciplinary concepts, practices and outcomes that are relevant and meaningful for the researchers and their students.

4 Design and deliver flexible and inclusive IL instruction

A fourth step to collaborate with researchers across disciplines is to design and deliver flexible and inclusive IL instruction that meets the diverse and evolving information needs and preferences of the researchers and their students. IL instruction can take various forms, such as workshops, webinars, tutorials, modules, courses, consultations, guides, videos, podcasts, games or badges. IL instruction can also be delivered in different modes, such as face-to-face, online, synchronous, asynchronous, embedded, standalone, individual or group. IL educators can work with researchers to determine the best format, mode, timing, content and level of IL instruction for their specific discipline, audience and purpose.

5 Assess and improve IL outcomes and impact

A fifth step to collaborate with researchers across disciplines is to assess and improve the outcomes and impact of IL education on the researchers and their students. IL assessment can involve various methods, such as surveys, quizzes, tests, rubrics, portfolios, reflections, interviews, focus groups or observations. IL assessment can also measure different aspects, such as knowledge, skills, attitudes, behaviors, performance, satisfaction or achievement. IL educators can collaborate with researchers to design and implement appropriate and effective IL assessment tools and strategies, and to use the results to inform and enhance IL education and practice.

6 Share and disseminate IL research and scholarship

A final step to collaborate with researchers across disciplines is to share and disseminate the results and insights of IL research and scholarship with the wider academic and professional community. IL research and scholarship can contribute to the advancement of IL theory, practice and policy, as well as to the interdisciplinary dialogue and collaboration among researchers from different fields. IL educators can collaborate with researchers to publish and present their IL research and scholarship in various outlets, such as journals, books, conferences, workshops, webinars or blogs, and to reach diverse and relevant audiences, such as academics, practitioners, students or policymakers.