This paper describes curriculum modules developed for first-year general chemistry laboratory courses that use scientific literature and creative experiment design to build information literacy in a student-centered learning environment. Two curriculum units are discussed: Exploring Scientific Literature and Design Your Own General Chemistry Laboratory Experiment. The modules sequentially develop and expand upon students’ chemical literacy, including the use of scientific literature to support experiment design. Student success is dependent on developing and using information literacy in service to critical thinking and practical analytical problem solving. A longitudinal study of students participating in this project surveyed self-assessed attitudes and beliefs. Initial findings suggest that introducing the scientific literature and building information literacy skills in first-year chemistry courses provide immediate and long-term benefits to student performance and engagement in the sciences. Course materials and assessment strategies used in the modules are provided as Supporting Information to this paper.

This paper describes the methodology and implementation of a case study introducing the scientific literature and creative experiment design to honors general chemistry laboratory students. The purpose of this study is to determine whether first-year chemistry students can develop information literacy skills while they engage with the primary chemical literature. Subject-specific library instruction was paired with student assignments by using the scientific literature as a resource for ideas on developing general chemistry experiments of their own creation. Student performance and experiences were measured through examination of literature search processes; bibliographic citation analysis; in-class exercises; course grades; and pre-, post-, and longitudinal surveys. Statistical analysis indicated a positive relationship between the number of literature resources viewed during course activities and the final course grade. We identified a way to measure students' ability to narrow a range of information down to an important few, which is an essential part of establishing information literacy. Results show that the approach provides immediate and long-term benefits to student performance. First-year students were capable of effectively using sophisticated literature search tools, and as evidenced by their perceptions, students placed a high value on these skills.

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Purpose -The purpose of this paper is to augment knowledge about perceived benefits and drawbacks of practicum programs in academic libraries. Design/methodology/approach -Many library science programs require or encourage practicum experiences. The paper surveyed past practicum students and site librarians about experiences with their practicum program. Findings -Practica in librarianship that balance structure and independence were reported to be beneficial, both for practicum students and for the libraries that host them. Students enjoyed the theory-to-practice aspects and the diverse populations of the academic library. The Auraria Campus's student body displays great diversity in terms of race and ethnicity, socioeconomics, age, and prior educational experiences. Practicum participants also made constructive suggestions for changes in terms of structure and content. Students and site librarians valued their interactions with one another, even though the librarians were aware that mentoring and supervising practicum students consumes time. Practical implications -Master of Library Science (MLS) programs, students, and libraries should consider these results when evaluating or considering practicum programs. Originality/value -At present, the library literature contains very few examples of evaluation strategies for library practicum programs. This article presents an easily adaptable model for assessing practicum programs in order to make improvements to their own programs.