Article presenting a curriculum mapping study of noncore course offerings in political science curricula by an early-career librarian. It combines syllabi study and curriculum mapping methods to analyze the language of student learning objectives (SLOs) from course syllabi and to integrate SLOs with threshold concepts from the ACRL Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education and the AAC&U Information Literacy VALUE Rubric. The methods produce two sample sets: one of core concept representation and the other of additional observances for syllabi improvements. Results analyze the frequency and percentage distributions of threshold concepts in SLOs. The author outlines strategies for engaging faculty in information literacy and suggests how librarians and faculty might inform information literacy teaching in the department.

This presentation highlights a curriculum mapping project at the University of North Texas Libraries. The project seeks to improve the capacity of UNT students for critical thinking and the ability to use information effectively. The key aim of the initiative was to strengthen core library services to enhance high-impact practices. It was presented at the Cross-Timbers Library Collaborative 2019 Conference held by Texas Woman’s University in Denton, Texas.