Identifying threshold concepts for information literacy: A Delphi study

Authors

Lori Townsend, University of New MexicoFollow
Amy R. Hofer, Linn-Benton Community CollegeFollow
Silvia L. Lin Hanick, CUNY La Guardia Community CollegeFollow
Korey Brunetti, Desert Regional Medical CenterFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2016

Abstract

This study used the Delphi method to engage expert practitioners on the topic of threshold concepts—core ideas and processes in a discipline that students need to grasp in order to progress in their learning, but that are often unspoken or unrecognized by expert practitioners—for information literacy. A panel of experts considered two questions: First, is the threshold concept approach useful for information literacy instruction? The panel unanimously agreed that the threshold concept approach holds potential for information literacy instruction. Second, what are the threshold concepts for information literacy instruction? The panel proposed and discussed over 50 potential threshold concepts, finally settling on six information literacy threshold concepts.

Comments

This work was originally published in Communications in Information Literacy.

Study data and related publications are available on the authors' website, Threshold Concepts & Information Literacy.