From perceptions to connections: Informing information literacy program planning in academic libraries through examination of high school library media center curricula

Abstract

Academic librarians are challenged to provide instruction to freshmen who demonstrated varied levels of research skills. To investigate how extensively particular information literacy skills are addressed at the secondary level, the authors distributed a nationwide survey to school library media specialists. Results reveal a common set of skills that respondents perceive they teach in depth and a common set of skills that are perceived as neglected. Qualitative data identify hindrances to information literacy instruction in high schools. Avenues for collaboration between academic and school librarians are suggested as a means to closing the knowledge gap between high school and college.