Publication Date
12-7-2018
Document Type
Presentation
Abstract
This paper describes two types of fixed-choice information literacy tests, one locally created and one nationally developed. The Madison Research Essentials Skills Test (MREST) is part of a tutorial-test model for first-year library instruction at James Madison University. Students must pass the test before they can move to sophomore status. This testing process relies on a collaborative model between JMU Libraries, the General Education program, and the Center for Assessment Research Studies (CARS). On the national level, the recently-created Threshold Achievement Test for Information Literacy (TATIL) is based on the ACRL Framework for Information Literacy and in four test modules measures both information literacy knowledge and dispositions. TATIL was created by librarians and other educators and can be used to guide instructional program changes, for external and internal reporting, and to give students recommendations for improving their information literacy. The decision to use a test and to choose which approach to take can be informed by comparing the benefits and limitations of these testing options.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.
Recommended Citation
Clarke, Kathy E. and Radcliff, Carolyn, "Information Literacy Assessment for Instruction and Improvement and Demonstration of Library Value: Comparing Locally-Grown and Commercially Created Tests" (2018). Libraries. 161.
https://commons.lib.jmu.edu/letfspubs/161
