The Information Literacy Scholars Program is an eight-week program designed to inform, instruct, and inspire a small cohort of UF Innovation Academy students to take control of the information they receive and disseminate in their field of study. Information literacy is the ‘set of integrated abilities encompassing the reflective discovery of information, the understanding of how information is produced and valued, and the use of information in creating new knowledge and participating ethically in communities of learning.’ Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education.
Each week, students will engage in small group discussion and planning to eventually lead to a presentation on a topic of their choice, focusing on fact-based, current research. Led by Smathers Libraries employees, students will receive one-on-one guidance to become a responsible steward of knowledge.
2026 Schedule of Classes
Week 1: Introduction to information
- Location: Library West, Room 211
- Date: Thursday, 09/03/26
- Time: 12:50 – 2:45pm
- Instructors: April Hines and Patty Takacs
Week 2: Developing your research question
- Location: Library West, Room 211
- Date: Thursday, 09/10/26
- Time: 12:50 – 2:45pm
- Instructors: Hannah Whitaker and Lisa Campbell
Week 3: Critically assessing AI-driven search tools
- Location: Library West, Room 211
- Date: Thursday, 09/17/26
- Time: 12:50 – 2:45pm
- Instructors: Lisa Campbell
Week 4: Searching strategically for information
- Location: Library West, Room 211
- Date: Thursday, 09/24/26
- Time: 12:50 – 2:45pm
- Instructors: Jasmine Simmons and April Hines
Week 5: Evaluating source credibility
- Location: Library West, Room 211
- Date: Thursday, 10/01/26
- Time: 12:50 – 2:45pm
- Instructors: Lisa Campbell and Patty Takacs
Week 6: Selecting, citing, and sharing sources
- Location: Library West, Room 211
- Date: Thursday, 10/8/26
- Time: 12:50 – 2:45pm
- Instructors: Jasmine Simmons and Hannah Whitaker
Week 7: Designing materials and presenting with confidence
- Location: Library West, Room 211
- Date: 10/15/26
- Time: 12:50 – 2:45pm
- Instructors: Matthew Daley and Alex Avelino
Week 8: Presentation / Ceremony
- Location: Library West, Room 211
- Date: 10/22/26
- Time: 12:50 – 4pm
About Innovation Academy: The University of Florida Innovation Academy (IA) was developed to equip students with the 21st-century skills needed to thrive in an innovative culture. IA is an undergraduate spring/summer program that teaches innovation through an innovation minor embedded in +25 majors across seven colleges, and we offer vast co-curricular experiences including a living-learning community and multiple program-specific student organizations. Given our unique schedule, IA students have the opportunity to enjoy Fall co-curricular activities, pursue internships, study abroad, or enjoy the break at home.
About the Smathers Libraries: The Smathers Libraries collaborate with UF faculty, students and staff, as well as the University’s collaborators and constituents, to facilitate knowledge creation that contributes to UF’s standing as a preeminent public research university. The Libraries encourage creativity and inquiry necessary to support the University’s global ambitions and play an important role in attracting and retaining top students, faculty and staff.
For more information, contact Alex Avelino (aavelino@ufl.edu)
