Library Literacies
The Baylor Libraries' literacies initiative emphasizes a few specific literacies: Information, Data, Making and Media. We provide support through our tiered information literacy instruction program, self-paced and online data literacy courses, and media lab and makerspace collaborations.
The ACRL's Framework for Information Literacy provides an extended definition of information literacy:
"Information literacy is the set of integrated abilities encompassing the reflective discovery of information, the understanding of how information is produced and valued, and the use of information in creating new knowledge and participating ethically in communities of learning."
This definition of information literacy applies equally well for all source types, including data, media.
The Baylor Libraries help scholars become literate in
- Understanding data
- Finding and obtaining data
- Reading, interpreting, and evaluating data
- Managing data
- Using data
We teach these literacies through our Data Scholar Program and Summer Data Research Fellows Program.
Moody Library hosts a maker space with emphasis on digital fabrication, including 3-D printers, a laser cutter/engraver, CNC router, vinyl cutter, soldering station, hand tools, and a work table.
In the areas of Making and Digital Media, our team can assist with the full curriculum development process, including selecting relevant learning objectives, developing rubrics and assessment strategies, instructional design, orientations and workshops, project coaching with students, and project review.
Learn more at libguides.baylor.edu/makerspace
Reading literacy and access to knowledge in the written word has long been a central goal for libraries. With the rise of digital literacy and the expense of some digital media tools, libraries have increasingly begun providing media creation and exploration spaces.
Baylor University Libraries was generously offered a gift from the Shumacher Foundation to create a digital media lab for the Baylor community. Included are a growing number audio and video recording studios, A/V equipment for reservation, and computers for editing and rendering, available to the Baylor community for curriculum development and creative projects.
Learn more at libguides.baylor.edu/medialab