Simmons Center for Information Literacy

The Simmons Center for Information Literacy (SCIL or the Center) champions the fundamental human right to both access and understand information. SCIL is dedicated to empowering individuals with the knowledge, skills, and critical thinking abilities necessary to navigate an increasingly complex information landscape. Through interdisciplinary research, education, and community engagement, the Center strives to empower people with the skills to locate and access trustworthy information, strengthen civic participation, and support an informed and engaged society. Rooted in Simmons University’s long-standing commitment to equity, education, and the public good, the Center serves as a hub for scholars, students, professionals, and the broader public locally and across the world to foster information literacy as a cornerstone of a thriving democracy.

Our vision is a world where information literacy transcends boundaries of privilege and circumstance, where critical thinking flourishes, and where every person has the tools to transform information into knowledge, opportunity, and positive change.

Empower Individuals to Identify and Access Trustworthy Information

• Develop and implement accessible, research-based curricula and training programs to strengthen information literacy skills and mitigate information poverty for students, faculty, and the public.
• Provide resources and tools to help individuals critically evaluate sources, recognize biases, and engage with reliable information.
• Partner with media organizations, libraries, and educational institutions to extend literacy training and public workshops.

Advance Scholarship and Teaching in Information Literacy

• Support faculty and student research on information literacy, media literacy, and the social impact of mis/disinformation.
• Develop innovative, cross-disciplinary courses and learning modules that integrate information literacy across multiple fields.
• Offer grants to faculty, students, and researchers focusing on improving information literacy and combatting mis/disinformation.

Support the Next Generation of Journalists, Librarians, and Information Professionals

• Strengthen student-driven media programs and foster a culture of responsible journalism and ethical reporting.
• Establish research and project opportunities for students in library and information sciences, journalism, communications, humanities, and allied fields and professions.
• Expand the SLIS Library Fellows Program to develop diverse leaders in the field of information literacy.

Expand Public Engagement and Community Outreach

• Collaborate with public libraries, community organizations, and policymakers to promote information literacy education.
• Provide accessible workshops, webinars, and public forums on responsibly navigating news, social media, and digital platforms responsibly.
• Develop "train-the-trainer" programs to equip educators, librarians, and journalists with tools to teach information literacy.

Foster Civic Engagement and Strengthen Democracy

• Equip individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to be informed, active participants in democratic processes.
• Promote civic discourse and critical inquiry through events, discussions, and partnerships with civic organizations.
• Conduct assessments and research on the impact of information literacy initiatives on public engagement and democratic participation.

Build a Sustainable and Inclusive Information Literacy Network

• Establish a long-term strategic plan that ensures the Center’s growth, impact, and long-term sustainability.
• Develop an inclusive network of scholars, practitioners, and community leaders committed to advancing information literacy.
• Secure funding and strategic partnerships to expand research, teaching, outreach, and programming efforts.