IASL's Reviews of Professional Materials

Farmer, Lesley S. J. & James Henri. Information Literacy Assessment K-12 Setting. Lanham (MD): Scarecrow Press, 2008. 251pp.
ISBN: 978-0-8108-5695-0 USD 35.00 (pbk).

Information literacy is a hot topic in education and school librarianship. It provides a framework for curriculum development, pedagogical change and innovation, and an opportunity to re-examine the modes of assessment of learning that are being used. In this volume, Farmer and Henri address the tools that may be used to assist educators and administrators to assess the degree of learning that is taking place in their schools. The teacher-librarian can be in the centre of this discussion with personal preparation and philosophical alignment to the changes that are happening.

In chapter 1, Henri provides a strong philosophical perspective of information in modern global society, and the ways society is reacting to the wealth of information that is available. He provides clear definitions noting the universal and cultural aspects of this complex set of skills, knowledge and dispositions. Subsequently chapter 3 explores the relationship between information literacy, learning and the assessment process. It details how students encounter and interact with information with a possible result of learning. The following chapters outline conditions for IL assessment; the role of assessment; the processes of assessment; and potential problems and ways to deal with those issues. Finally chapter 8 provides a classified list of existing user-tested IL assessment instruments. Each chapter has significant footnotes and citations, and an extensive bibliography is provided. The index provides quick access to sub-topics and keywords.

Both Lesley Farmer and James Henri are well known in IASL circles. They have provided a wealth of literature and commentary on many topics. This book lives up to their fine reputation to be creative, and to be able to draw on the best of the published literature to produce a commendable document. It should be required reading by most Faculty of Education, Faculty of Library Science & Information Studies, and district educational leadership personnel. Every district resource centre (or equivalent) should have copies for local study purposes. This is a systematic approach to a current and critically important topic.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

Reviewed by Gerald R. Brown, Consultant, School Library & Information Services, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

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Last updated 22 February 2009 (KSB)