Critical thinking, information literacy and quality enhancement plans

Abstract

Purpose – This paper aims to investigate the relationship between information literacy and critical thinking. Specifically, the connection between the elements of critical thinking as expressed in one university’s Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) and the advancing learning transforming scholarship (ACRL) Information Literacy Competency Standards (ACRL IL Standards). Concrete examples of how librarians support information literacy and critical thinking were examined. Design/methodology/approach – Following a literature review, the ACRL IL Standards were mapped to the elements of a university’s QEP (critical thinking + core values = decision-making). A wiki was then created to illicit specific examples from librarians regarding how they incorporate the elements of critical thinking in their reference/instruction work. Findings – Considerable correspondence was found between the ACRL IL Standards and the elements of critical thinking in the QEP, but this varied with the specific standard and the specific QEP component. Wiki results revealed that librarians used many concrete activities that supported QEP critical-thinking elements. Research limitations/implications – In this study, mapping the ACRL IL Standards to QEP components was subjective, performed by only one individual. Future research, perhaps involving the forthcoming ACRL IL Standards, might be better carried out by a larger group, thereby enhancing objectivity. Originality/value – The literature review showed a lack of specificity in how critical thinking is defined and integrated into library reference/instruction work. The present study compared eight specific elements of critical thinking to the ACRL IL Standards and found 108 concrete examples of their application.