Negotiating thresholds: Conflict and transformation in the liminal space

In this presentation Lori Townsend will discuss the origins of the threshold concepts theory, how they work, and examples of possible threshold concepts for information literacy.

Threshold concepts have emerged as a popular, if sometimes contentious, model for teaching and learning. The recently approved ACRL Framework for Information Literacy was inspired by threshold concepts and encourages a conceptual approach to information literacy instruction. In this presentation I will discuss the origins of the threshold concepts theory, how they work, and examples of possible threshold concepts for information literacy. I will also explore approaches to threshold concepts in the liberal arts more broadly along with recent debates about threshold concepts in the library world.