Information Literacy Graduation Standard

What is the Information Literacy Graduation Standard?

The Vermont State Colleges Board of Trustees has instituted graduation standards for all Associate's and Bachelor's degree candidates. The overall object of these standards is to provide assurance that VSC graduates have certain essential skills for success in the workplace and in life in general. For example, for the Vermont State Colleges, competency in information literacy means that upon graduation students will be able to:

1. Define a research topic and the information needed.
2. Use a variety of traditional and electronic resources to collect and organize that information.
3. Evaluate the information and its sources critically.
4. Acknowledge and document the sources needed.

Will I be taking a course in Information Literacy?

Information literacy instruction takes place in conjunction with your coursework throughout your time at Castleton. An introduction to library services and resources is a required part of the First-Year Seminar. Additionally, students in English Composition and Effective Speaking classes are often encouraged to use library services and resources in order to become more proficient in their use of scholarly materials. Lastly, as you progress through your major, your professors may incorporate library sessions to help you work with specialized databases and resources.

Who has to pass the information literacy standard?

The Information Literacy Graduation Standard applies to all Associate's and Bachelor's degree students who have entered Castleton since the fall of 2005.

How do students meet the Information Literacy Graduation Standard?

The final step in meeting the Information Literacy Graduation Standard at Castleton involves passing an online test. Testing sessions will be scheduled each semester and will be widely announced.

How do I register for the test?

You need to register for a specific test session through Castleton's online course registration system.

How can I prepare for the test?

Tutorials

TILT: Information Literacy Tutorial, from the Vermont State Colleges, provides a basic overview.

Test Prep Sessions

Test preparation sessions by librarians will be offered several times each semester.  You can also schedule an appointment with a librarian for an individual or small group prep session.

Does the test have to be taken in a computer lab?

Yes, the test is an online test and will be taken in a computer lab. You need to bring your Castleton photo ID to the testing session. Proctors will administer the test and scores will be reported to the Registrar.

Is the assessment timed? Is there a fixed amount of time in which I must complete the test?

Yes, the test session is one hour in length. If you require a test-taking accommodation please contact the Associate Academic Deans’ Office at (802) 468-1244 when you register to take the test.

How will I know if I passed?

When you finish the test, you will see your score. A score of 60% or above is a passing score. Your score will be reported to the Registrar and recorded in your file.

How can I get more information about the Information Literacy Graduation Standard?

The Information Literacy Online Tutorial covers the kinds of knowledge and skills that will be tested. You can also contact Meredith Fletcher, Coordinator of Placement & Graduation Standards, at (802) 468-1244.