Document Type
Article
Publication Date
9-2026
Abstract
The rise of generative artificial intelligence (AI) has transformed how students conduct academic research. The American Association of Colleges and Universities' Information Literacy VALUE rubric provides a framework and rubric for students' performance of information literacy skills. However, AI literacy skills overlap and can add a layer of complexity to information literacy skills. This study aimed to identify gaps in college students' AI literacy skills where they aligned with the framework set by the VALUE rubric. A multiple-choice test was developed to test students' knowledge of AI where it overlaps with information literacy. The study collected 297 completed surveys. The mean score was 4.31 out of 10 and 24% (n = 66) scored higher than 60%. Students more consistently identified the need to review AI generated assignment drafts but struggled to consistently identify AI's role throughout the research process. Students struggled with identifying the difference between AI tools, and in evaluating the output of AI for inaccuracies. Overall, the study found gaps in AI knowledge across the information literacy framework, underscoring the need for additional AI literacy instruction.
Published In
The Journal of Academic Librarianship
Publication Title
The Journal of Academic Librarianship
Comments
This article is licensed under the Creative Commons CC-BY-NC-ND and was originally published in The Journal of Academic Librarianship in September of 2026.