Experiences with Information Literacy Topical Module (2025)

Copyright © 2025 Trustees of Indiana University 

This module, updated for NSSE 2024, was developed in collaboration with college and university librarians from the Association of College & Research Libraries. Items focus on students' use of information sources, research-based inquiry, and experiences traditionally associated with research libraries. The module complements questions on the core survey about reflective & integrative learning, higher-order learning, and assigned reading and writing.

1. During the current school year, about how often have you done the following?
Response options: Very often, Often, Sometimes, Never

1. Completed an assignment using an information source (book, article, website, etc.) other than required course readings
2. Completed an assignment using a library’s physical or digital collection of articles, books, or journals (JSTOR, EBSCO, LexisNexis, ProQuest, Interlibrary Loan, etc.)
3. Received help from the library (met with a librarian, used the library’s chat service, etc.)
4. Changed the focus of a paper or project based on information you found while researching the topic
5. Looked for an information source that was cited in something you read
6. Evaluated an information source by conducting additional research
7. Identified information that was biased, misleading, or deceptive
8. Decided not to use an information source in a course assignment due to its questionable quality
9. Referred to an information source you found on social media for an assignment
10. Consulted with an expert as an information source (on campus, in community)
11. Coached or mentored a classmate or peer with research for their course assignment

2. Which of the following have you done while in college or do you plan to do before you graduate?
Response options: Done or in progress, Plan to do, Do not plan to do, Have not decided, To my knowledge is not available

1. Attend a campus-sponsored session about conducting research (instructional session with a librarian, writing center for help with a research paper, a library or department workshop, etc.)
2. Present, publish, or publicly share the results of your research, scholarly activity, or creative work to an audience beyond your classmates (on- or off-campus academic conference, exhibition, research journal, literary magazine, professional blog, etc.)
3. Use library resources for a non-academic task (leisure reading, researching jobs, watching films, etc.)

3. How much has your experience at this institution contributed to your knowledge, skills, and personal development in the following areas?
Response options: Very much, Quite a bit, Some, Very little, Not at all

1. Understanding the research and writing styles or practices of your major or field of study
2. Developing information and research management strategies (note-taking, using citation software, document organization, etc.)
3. Developing your research skills to identify information for personal reasons (not related to your courses)
4. Keeping an open mind when encountering opposing perspectives during your research