A Thematic Analysis of Music Instructor Perceptions of Student Information Literacy

A research team of five music librarians interviewed twenty-six postsecondary music faculty and instructors to uncover their perceptions of students' information literacy skills, including perceived skill gaps and opportunities for collaboration with librarians. This qualitative study was conducted to inform the creation of the Music Companion to the Framework for Information Literacy but also revealed a number of broader trends and patterns music librarians can use to communicate effectively with music instructors about the scope and value of Framework-based music information literacy instruction. Using a thematic analysis approach, the researchers discuss three major themes that emerged from the interviews: disciplinary value placed on the dispositions of curiosity and intrinsic motivation, understanding of information literacy definitions and associations, and paradigm shifts in the field, all of which suggest avenues for outreach and collaboration with instructors. This paper explains the thematic findings of the study, highlighting music-specific information literacy knowledge and skills as well as attitudes and understandings in the field.