NDSU Libraries are committed to energizing and advancing student learning and research through our instruction program. Learning happens in a variety of contexts, both formally and informally, inside and outside of the Library. The Libraries play an essential role in fostering lifelong learning by supporting intellectual discovery, the free exchange of knowledge, and the creation and contribution of new information and ideas to our community and the world. Our goal is to support the development of research and critical thinking skills. To that end, our librarians have defined this set of learning outcomes for NDSU students.

Upon completion of their undergraduate degree at NDSU students will be able to:

Inquire and Explore

To develop and refine a research topic or question through exploration of the scholarly literature and other relevant resources.

  • Identify a topic, form and revise a working question, define a problem, or identify a task
  • Articulate their own perspective and seek alternative perspectives to expand on their understanding of a topic
  • Define the scope and parameters of their research topic or question
  • Explain information seeking as an ongoing, iterative process of discovery, creativity, and inquiry

Search and Strategize

To develop and revise strategies to find relevant information and incorporate new ideas.

  • Articulate how information is produced and disseminated in academic disciplines, in communities, and professions
  • Describe the impact of economic, social, and/or cultural structures inherent in search tools/engines and how they influence search results
  • Demonstrate persistence, adaptability, and problem-solving skills in the search process, which includes the incorporation of new information to refine and expand searches
  • Select and effectively use tools and resources to locate and access needed information

Analyze and Evaluate

To think critically about information and apply analytical skills in order to successfully  interrogate and evaluate information sources based on context and intended use.

  • Appraise and select sources sources that are the most applicable and appropriate to their research topic or question
  • Evaluate information resources using a variety of criteria including disciplinary or professional context, and relevancy for their research
  • Identify and analyze limitations of source materials in regards to format, context, and credibility
  • Analyze results to critique and revise their strategies for finding information

Create and Contribute

To ethically use, share, and create content in academic, professional, and personal contexts with awareness of evolving information norms.

  • Synthesize information and apply it to new settings and complex problems in order to contribute to the knowledge base of various audiences and media
  • Explain intellectual property rights and responsibilities and apply disciplinary norms for attribution in order to meet the ethical and legal responsibilities required when creating content
  • Apply appropriate discourses from academic disciplines, communities, and professions, to produce, contextualize, and disseminate information

NDSU Libraries’ Learning Outcomes are grounded in NDSU’s General Education Undergraduate Learning Outcomes, NDSU's Core Values, and the American Association of Colleges and Universities' Essential Learning Outcomes.

If you have questions, please contact your subject librarian.