Syllabus: Introduction to Information Literacy

This syllabus serves as a comprehensive, modular model for designing a contemporary, semester-long information literacy course that moves beyond basic research skills into critical engagement with today’s information ecosystem. The course integrates foundational library instruction (organizing systems, databases, search strategies, and citation practices) with media literacy, news literacy, data and visual literacy, social media analysis, OSINT methods, and responsible use of generative AI. Weekly topics are scaffolded to support an iterative research project, emphasizing inquiry-based learning, source evaluation, ethical information use, and reflective practice. Active learning strategies—discussion, applied exercises, milestones, and skill-building activities—would be embedded throughout, making the syllabus adaptable for librarians seeking to implement a holistic, theory-informed, and practice-oriented approach to information literacy instruction in fully online or hybrid environments.