Information Literacy as Human Formation

Information Literacy instruction has become an integral part of the academic library information landscape, however, it is also up to librarians to advocate for the time and space to introduce these concepts to students. Faculty buy-in can be hard to get when there is already only so much time to accomplish their own goals for the classroom while also allowing a librarian ample time to provide instruction in search strategy, database usage, source evaluation, and more. I discovered the need to focus more and more on providing the necessary research instruction in the classroom, lessening my time to focus on information literacy concepts as suggested by the Framework for Information Literacy set out by ALA. This dilemma allowed me to seek other alternatives for information literacy instruction, particularly in what is called the "Human Formation" program. At Conception Abbey and Seminary College, human formation plays a considerable role in the lives of our students as they become formed in the character needed to become Roman Catholic priests. The nature of their future roles creates an even stronger need to be information literate as they lead communities of people both spiritually and socially.