Mission Statement
Information Literacy Program

"Information literacy includes information technology skills, such as [the] use of computers, software applications, and information retrieval tools, but it is a broader area of competence that encompasses the content, analysis and communication of information" (ACRL Best Practices for Information Literacy).

"The uncertain quality and expanding quantity of information pose large challenges for society. The sheer abundance of information will not in itself create a more informed citizenry without a complementary cluster of abilities necessary to use information effectively" (Earlham College).

The mission of the information literacy program, and indeed the entire teaching program, of the Palo Alto College LRC is to educate people about the need for information literacy skills and to teach those skills at every opportunity and in every venue possible.

The goals of the information literacy program are to...

1. Affect as many students and faculty as possible.
2. Remain consistent with the mission and goals of Palo Alto College.
3. Adhere to the ACRL Information Literacy Competency Standards for Higher Education.
4. Review and revise on a consistent basis.
5. Integrate information literacy across the curriculum.
6. Provide measurable outcomes that allow students to demonstrate their mastery of the underlying concepts of information literacy.
7. Prepare students for their current curricular activities and for effective life-long learning.
8. Reinforce previously acquired skills in computer technologies and information access.