Co-curricular learning is an approach to teaching experiential learning using activities or programs for students outside of their coursework that include intentional learning and development. Co-curricular learning benefits from having clear learning outcomes as well as helping develop competencies that connect to students’ academic or career goals. It can be a way to engage students in the ACRL Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education and have them begin to apply its concepts to all areas of their life and studies.

Learning Beyond the Classroom explores activities that can help develop students’ IL knowledge, stimulate them academically and creatively, and help them develop new skills. In four sections—Campus Connections, Employment Experiences, Innovative Initiatives, and Assessment Approaches—chapters illustrate different approaches to incorporating the ACRL Framework concepts and how best to measure a student’s success to demonstrate the value of the co-curricular activities.

A student’s development within their chosen discipline prepares them for a future career, but it is the transferable skills they acquire through experiential activities that demonstrate their full understanding of the concepts taught. Learning Beyond the Classroom can help librarians include information literacy concepts within co-curricular activities and prepare their students to apply critical thinking to everyday pursuits.