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assessment and certification

You are being redirected to http://www.fscj.edu/mydegree/Assessment-and-Certification/Info_literacy.html.

Information Literacy and the Information Literacy Assessment (ILAS)

Degree-seeking students entering Florida State College at Jacksonville in the catalog year 2004 or later, OR who changed program of study to degree-seeking since Fall Term 2004, must demonstrate competency in the area of information literacy by passing the College’s Information Literacy Assessment (ILAS). Below are answers to common questions about this important requirement.

Students’ Frequently Asked Questions

What is Information Literacy, and why is it important to me?

According to the Association of College and Research Libraries, information literacy is the set of skills needed to find, retrieve, analyze and use information. No matter what your program of study is, you will use information in a variety of forms from writing research papers to developing and completing projects. In other words, information literacy skills can help you earn better grades.

But information literacy goes beyond college coursework. In a world where an infinite amount of information is available, individuals need to develop a greater understanding of information sources and keener abilities in acquiring, evaluating, using and communicating information. Becoming information literate will provide you with essential skills needed to become a more proficient learner in college, and will subsequently benefit you in both professional and personal endeavors. Information literacy skills can help you discern the best information for important decisions, such as buying a car or applying for a loan.

What is the Information Literacy Assessment (ILAS) and why does Florida State College at Jacksonville require it?

Implemented by the College in 2004, the ILAS is a competency-based assessment that reflects standards published by the Association of College and Research Libraries. Administered by the Assessment and Certification Centers and periodically updated by Florida State College at Jacksonville librarians, the ILAS measures proficiency in finding, retrieving, analyzing and using information – all skills necessary for research and study.

Colleges and universities across the U.S. are adopting similar programs, and Florida State College at Jacksonville has chosen to be a leader by assessing the information literacy skills of all students completing a degree at the College.

We strongly encourage you to study and prepare for the Information Literacy Assessment (ILAS). This important exercise is an investment in your future and can make a tremendously positive difference in the level of success you have at Florida State College at Jacksonville, and beyond.

Do I have to take the Information Literacy Assessment (ILAS)?

All degree-seeking students who entered Florida State College at Jacksonville in the catalog year 2004-05 or later, OR who changed program of study to degree-seeking since Fall Term 2004, must demonstrate competency in the area of information literacy by passing the College’s Information Literacy Assessment (ILAS). If you have questions about your status with respect to the ILAS requirement, contact Counseling and Advising.

When should I take the Information Literacy Assessment (ILAS)?

Students are encouraged to take the ILAS early in their academic career (the first semester being the ideal), as the skills learned in preparation for the assessment are applicable to research and study and are highly valuable to students when beginning college coursework.

Students are also encouraged to consider enrolling in LIS 1002 – Information Literacy, a one-credit course that prepares students to successfully complete the ILAS.

It is also very helpful for first year students to take SLS 1103 - Strategies for Success in College, Career and Life. This course assists in the development of skills needed to succeed in college and introduces the topic of information literacy.

Is the ILAS the same as the CLAST?

No.  Both are competencies which must be met prior to graduation, but these are two separate requirements.  For more information about the CLAST, see the Assessment and Certification Center CLAST web page or Counseling and Advising.

How can I prepare for the Information Literacy Assessment (ILAS)?

Degree-seeking students entering Florida State College at Jacksonville in the catalog year 2004 or later, OR who changed program of study to degree-seeking since Fall Term 2004, must demonstrate competency in the area of information literacy by passing the College’s Information Literacy Assessment (ILAS).

Students are encouraged to take the ILAS early in their academic career (the first semester being the ideal), and a variety of resources and preparation materials for the ILAS are available free of charge.

Cecil Center North Library 5640 New World Avenue, Room A112 904.779.4050
Deerwood Center Library 9911 Old Baymeadows Road, Room E2509 904.997.2562
Downtown Campus Library 101 West State Street, Room A3047 904.633.8169
Kent Campus Library 3939 Roosevelt Boulevard, Room C100 904.381.3545
Nassau Center Library 76346 William Burgess Boulevard, Room B109B 904.548.4468
North Campus Library 4501 Capper Road, Room D301 904.766.6636
South Campus Library 11901 Beach Boulevard, Room G300 904.646.2179

In addition to the free review materials outlined above, students may also choose to enroll in a credit-bearing course (LIS 1002) for an in-depth exploration of information literacy.

What format is the Information Literacy Assessment (ILAS)?

The ILAS is a computer-based assessment with six modules:

  1. Identify the Need for Information
  2. Select the Most Appropriate Information Retrieval System
  3. Acquire Pertinent Information
  4. Evaluate the Information Obtained
  5. Manipulate Information in a Usable Form
  6. Communicate the Information

There are 15 questions in each module.  The ILAS is not a timed test;  it is suggested that you plan for approximately 90 minutes if taking the entire assessment in one sitting.

What is the passing score for the Information Literacy Assessment (ILAS)?

You must correctly answer at least 11 of the 15 questions in each module of the ILAS for a passing score of 70 percent.

What happens if I pass only some of the modules?

Any of the six modules you do not pass may be re-taken (but you do not have to take the entire ILAS again!). If you need to retake one or more modules, you are encouraged to contact any Florida State College at Jacksonville librarian for a plan of review that will help you successfully complete the module(s) on your next attempt.

How do I know if I have completed the ILAS?

After you take the ILAS, the Assessment and Certification Center staff member assisting you will provide a print-out of your scores on the ILAS and advise if you need to retake any of the modules.  Your degree audit in Artemis also advises of your scores for each module, and a hold will appear in Artemis if you have not completed all the required modules.

Is there a fee to take the Information Literacy Assessment (ILAS)?

There is no fee to take the ILAS unless you have to retake a module or modules. If you need to retake one or more modules, you can have one free retake sitting (regardless of the number of modules to be retaken) if you meet with a librarian for review and obtain a signed contract that outlines the steps taken for review. Additional retake sittings will involve a $20 fee per sitting. For additional information contact any Assessment and Certification Center.

NOTE: a proctoring fee may be assessed by remote testing facilities.

Where do I take the Information Literacy Assessment (ILAS)?

After completing your ILAS preparation, you should contact an Assessment and Certification Center (except the Deerwood Center, which does not offer the ILAS at this time) to make an appointment to take the assessment.

Cecil Center South – Aviation Center of Excellence (ACE)* 13450 Lake Fretwell Street, Room K122 (appointment required) 904.317.3818
Downtown Campus 101 West State Street, Room A1021 904.633.8388
Kent Campus 3939 Roosevelt Boulevard, Room A102 904.381.3754
Nassau Center 76346 William Burgess Boulevard, Room A105 904.548.4438
Naval Air Station Jacksonville* Navy College Office, Yorktown Avenue, Building 110, Room 16, (Wednesday and Friday only; appointment required) 904.632.5020
Naval Station Mayport* Massey Avenue, Building 12, adjacent to McDonald's (Thursday only; appointment required) 904.249.7311
North Campus 4501 Capper Road, Room E227 904.766.6708
Open Campus (remote students) Open Campus Assessment and Certification Center assessme@fscj.edu
South Campus 11901 Beach Boulevard, Room U120 904.646.2263

*PLEASE NOTE: At these Centers the ILAS is offered on a limited basis only, so call ahead for an appointment.

What if I need accommodations to complete the ILAS?

Students with disabilities needing assistance in completing the Information Literacy Assessment may request reasonable accommodations through their Specialist for Students with Disabilities on any campus. All reasonable accommodation requests must be accompanied with appropriate documentation secured from Disabled Student Services.

Where can I get more information on the Information Literacy Assessment?

For more information, contact any Florida State College at Jacksonville library, any assessment center, or any counselor or advisor.

 

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