Integrating Experiential Learning Into Information Literacy Curriculum

In the information literacy (IL) curriculum, courses can be designed to provide students hands-on experience, based on concepts that relate to Kolb’s theory of experiential learning (EL). If accompanied by reflective practice as discussed by Brookfield and Moon, it helps not only IL teaching, but also encourages librarians to enhance their practice. IL teaching is enhanced when it follows a general curriculum that is geared towards service learning. Service learning involves community outreach with IL integrated into the educational processes. This approach increases the chances that IL skills will be retained even after formal classes have ended. At Zayed University (Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates), the provision of field-based EL with reflective practice, where previous work-related knowledge may be scarce, is intended to prepare graduating students to be work-ready.