Information Literacy Integration in a Doctoral Program

Abstract Information literacy is critical to those preparing to work as leaders in the realm of education. This study looked at the infusion of information literacy into a new doctoral program, the SDSU-USD Joint Doctoral Program. The ACRL standards were used as a founding point from which to appraise the acquisition of information literacy. Data collection involved faculty review of classes taught within the program as related to the standards. In addition, data regarding the specific methods by which standards were put into effect within the courses were gathered from a focus group comprised of doctoral students currently involved in the program. A means by which to incorporate and verify the inclusion of information literacy standards into the curriculum was developed in the course of this research. Furthermore, exemplars that may serve as models for information literacy inclusion have been established. Of greatest importance, a heightened awareness of the concept of information literacy was manifest in the conversations that occurred between faculty and students.