Scientific Literacy

Abstract

This review of the literature of scientific literacy summarizes research into the types and extent of science knowledge held by the public, and suggests that librarianship can contribute to this research by investigating sources of scientific information used by the public. Science books in particular need such study. Scientific, like cultural, literacy is also seen as an important part of the general knowledge needed by reference librarians.The study of scientific literacy offers an opportunity for broadening research on scientific information. Most reports on scientific information concern the needs and activities of scientists themselves. Opening up this research to look at sources of scientific information for the public may provide insights of use to librarians in a wider range of settings. Of particular interest may be the role of science books in fostering scientific literacy. Beth Clewis is Reference Librarian at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College, Parham Road

Biology Student Perceptions of Information Literacy Instruction in the Context of an Essential Skills Workshop Series

“…SL was initially considered in the library literature through explorations of its general relevance to and implications for the information profession, primarily around the nexus of science and information sources (Clewis 1990;Sapp 1992). As a means to better communicate with science faculty with the goal of integrating library instruction into science education, Laherty (2000) proposed that librarians build an understanding of the National Science Education Standards (National Research Council 1996), which address SL, by mapping them to the ACRL Information Literacy Standards (2000).…”