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Information Literacy Tutorial: FacultyInstructions

Recommended Assessment Strategies for Faculty

Learning Outcome:

Identifies key terms that describe the specific aspects of a research topic


In your own words, tell us what your broad research topic will be. How will you focus your discussion of this topic? If you had to choose two or three main concepts to describe the topic, what would they be? 

Now review the topics and main concepts posted by your classmates. Respond to their posts by suggesting alternative key terms.

Learning Outcomes:

Selects sources appropriate to the assignment

Identifies research purpose in a source


In your own words, explain why it is important to include a scholarly source in your bibliography. What does it add to the project?

Read the assigned article [specific to your course] and share how the article might be incorporated into your research paper.

Learning Outcome:

Uses the database's organizational structure to extend the search. 


Search for a book on your topic in Search@UW. Post your search strategy to the discussion board. How did you narrow or focus your results? Find one book on your topic and review the description of this book in Search@UW, then post at least one new search term you found while you were searching.

Learning Outcome:

Utilizes databases to locate articles


Using key terms you have identified, search for articles on your topic in the Libraries’ databases. Post the title of an article you have selected, the title of the journal it was published in, and the article database where you found it. Why did you choose this article? What do you think you will learn about the topic from this source?

Learning Outcome:

Uses the open web to find background information and links to scholarly sources


Try searching for your topic in Google and then in Google Scholar. Which of these sources yielded results that were published in academic sources?
In your own words, explain how you evaluate a website when deciding whether or not it fits your research need.

Learning Outcomes:

Understands the purpose of citations in academic work
Uses tools to assist in production of accurate citations


What is the value of your bibliography? Why would a reader of your paper want to review the sources?
Do a search for your topic in Wikipedia. Review the list of references at the end of the article. Can you find any useful links? Suggest ways to locate the cited source or explain how you located the cited source.

About the Information Literacy Tutorial

Thank you for your interest in the Information Literacy tutorial. The broad focus of the tutorial is on understanding sources of information, including examples that illuminate how to access information sources at UWM. The tutorial is composed of six modules, each one dedicated to a specific element of information competency.

The tutorial can be completed as a general introduction to information sources at the UWM Libraries, or broken down into individual modules that address your course needs.

To add a link to the content section of your D2L course, please use the following URL:

Module Structure

Demonstrations:  Each module contains three video demonstrations that walk through the steps for finding sources, emphasizing the critical thinking and evaluation process of information selection. Demonstrations are brief (under two minutes each) and they are offered in the MP4 file type, hosted on YouTube.   

Glossary: The glossary section defines information terms.

Skills: The skills section address practical knowledge like narrowing a search with the connector “AND” or finding a call number at the UWM Libraries.

Theory: The theory section addresses the underlying concepts behind literature searching for college level writing. For example: how does understanding subject headings help me do a better search?

**All videos are closed captioned. Students will need headphones or speakers to view/listen to videos.


Ask A Librarian

Kristin Woodward's picture
Kristin Woodward
P.O. Box 604, 2311 East Hartford Avenue
Milwaukee WI 53201-0604
(414) 229-6828

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