As part of the University of Rhode Island Libraries' "Comprehensive Plan for Information Literacy," a three-credit class in the skills and concepts of information literacy was first offered in the fall of 1999. More than 1,000 undergraduate students have taken the class since that time. A pre-test was given at the beginning of each semester, followed up by a post-test at the end. The pre-and post-test results were analyzed to determine: (1) whether students improved their test scores over the course of the semester, (2) which concepts and skills students mastered, and (3) where the course might need revision and/or improvement. Analysis showed that skills were acquired and/or improved overall.

The authors discuss the plan for building an incremental, multi-year information literacy program at the University of Rhode Island. Review of the current library instruction program leads to why and how they plan to change the program by focusing on the concepts of understanding what information is in addition to learning how to gather, evaluate, and use information. The Draft Plan for Information Literacy at the University of Rhode Island Libraries addresses the information and research needs of undergraduate and graduate students as well as faculty needs. The development of creditbearing courses in information literacy, the creation of information literacy modules for specific disciplines and the Draft Plan for Information Literacy are discussed.

This paper compares the results of a comprehensive exam taken by undergraduates enrolled in face-to-face and online sections of a three-credit course in information literacy. Authors discuss choosing, adapting, and implementing the comprehensive exam. Questions are mapped to the ACRL Competency Standards for Information Literacy for Higher Education to assess the effectiveness of the course. Preliminary results indicate that online students performed slightly better than their face-to-face counterparts.

The experience of a multi‐site higher education library consortium in purchasing electronic journals and databases is described. The criteria and guidelines developed to assist in the decision‐making process for the purchase of multidisciplinary electronic products and services can be of value to other libraries whether in a single or consortial environment. Factors such as database features, coverage, search features, and delivery options were considered.