UC Merced

This study explores upper-division students' research competencies, dispositions, challenges, and developments through focus group interviews complemented by surveys, including local responses to the Experiences with Information Literacy topical module from the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE). These undergraduates, apprenticing as researchers, use research practices that are more novice than expert, as described in the Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education. They employ a range of abilities in the research process and demonstrate an emerging knowledge of the information environment and of academic disciplines. Because curriculum strongly influences information literacy development, librarians should pursue close collaborations with faculty.