The Marvin K. Peterson Library will be conducting an assessment beginning in March in the interest of developing the academic skills of undergraduate students. The results of this study will shape how the library aids its students in the future in terms of both individual attention and in-class training. The library will be offering a FREE $5 printing credit for each student volunteer as a thank you for participating.

How will the library assess students’ academic skills?

Academic skills will be assessed through the Standardized Assessment of Information Literacy Skills (SAILS). SAILS is a multiple choice assessment that will be administered in paper form during designated test-taking periods at the Library. The assessment covers information-gathering skills, as well as the social and ethical implications of obtaining information.

Testing time will accommodate students’ busy schedules as best as possible. The assessment typically takes roughly a half hour to complete, but participants will be given an hour to ensure that each assessment has been completed in full. Students are not obligated to stay for the entire window of time once the assessment has been completed.

Will students know how they performed?

Students will not receive a grade, nor will they know how they performed on the assessment. This assessment is being conducted solely for the purpose of identifying the overall academic strengths and weaknesses of undergraduate students as a whole. No identifying information will be associated with the results of each student’s assessment.

Where can I find out more information or sign up?

If you are interested in participating or have any questions about the assessment, please contact Brian Ralph, test administrator, at: [email protected]. We appreciate your support in advance. If you would like more information on Project SAILS, please visit: https://www.projectsails.org.

Why not earn free printing for a half hour of your time?

There really is no reason not to, so sign up today!