PA Forward Information Literacy Summit: Framing the Value of Information | Compendium

Diane Schmidt photo
by Diane Schmidt

What comes to mind when you think about late July in Central PA? Heat? Storms? Librarians? In a way this is true but also in the form of “The Hot Topics of the day”—“Inundation of Information” – “Librarians and Educators” coming together for the 3rd Annual Information Literacy Summit happening July 29 at the Paterno Library on the Penn State University Park Campus.

The theme of this year’s summit is “Framing the Value of Information Literacy”. The day will start with two keynote presentations on Model Curriculum for PA School Library Programs and
ACRL Framework for Information Literacy in Higher Education. The afternoon will then continue with breakout sessions for attendees to experience how to incorporate those standards into their everyday practices.

One participant from last year’s summit described the day as “[providing] numerous and ongoingPA Forward Logo of Five Literacies opportunities for me to connect with other academic librarians across the state, and learn more about the incredible work of school librarians as well.  Comparing and sharing information literacy projects with the new Framework in mind is truly a highlight of the day!”

Information literacy is defined as a set of abilities requiring individuals to “recognize when information is needed and have the ability to locate, evaluate, and use effectively the needed information.” As librarians is this not something that we strive for and hope to accomplish every day? So all it takes is one day, Wednesday July 29th, 8:00AM to 4:00PM—to refresh and learn everything that you need to know in order to help educate your fellow staff and your library users. Please take a moment and consider registering for this program.

Much like the hot and humidity of a late July day, attendees will be leaving this day saturated and immersed in information that will continue to move PA Forward.