Mission
The University of Maryland Libraries' information literacy program aims to provide members of the University with the skills and knowledge needed to effectively identify, find, evaluate and ethically use information to support academic excellence and lifelong learning.
Two main groups coordinate and conduct the day to day activities that constitute this program. They are: User Education Services, and the librarian subject-specialists, curators & special collections librarians.
To learn more about this program, visit: Overview of UMD Libraries Information Literacy Program.
Created in 1996, User Education Services manages the following responsibilities:
- Designs, coordinates, teaches and assesses instruction programs for the University's large first-year & gateway programs. These include: EDCP 108, ENGL 101, GEMS 100, UNIV 100, and the Professional Writing Program, a third-year CORE writing program.
- Designs, produces, and maintains the Libraries general research and library skills user guides.
- Coordinates and/or provides library instruction for some of the University's pre-college & summer programs, as well as for visiting groups.
- Maintains McKeldin Library's instruction labs. This includes managing the logistics for all non-library groups wanting to to schedule, rent & use these spaces.
- Manages or participates in special projects, where appropriate.
- When appropriate, coordinates in-depth and targeted research visits for high school groups.
- Coordinates the University Libraries participation in a variety of campus events by (1) partnering with campus event organizers, (2) soliciting library volunteers, and (3) designing and preparing signs, handouts and give-a-ways. These events include:
- Undergraduate Studies Advising Conference
- Information Fair for Incoming Graduate Students
- First Look Fair
- International Education Week
- StampFest
- International Coffee Hour
