Four scholars from Florida State University have been honored with the Collaboration for Information Literacy Prize by the Modern Language Association (MLA) for their work on the course “Paris World Capital.” The award, presented during the MLA’s annual convention in Toronto, Canada, recognizes outstanding partnerships between faculty and academic librarians that incorporate information literacy into coursework related to literature and language.
Reinier Leushuis, department chair and professor in the Department of Modern Languages and Linguistics, said: “This award celebrates a truly interdisciplinary effort that brings together expertise from across the university to deepen students’ engagement with one of the world’s most iconic cities. It reflects FSU’s commitment to innovative teaching that equips students with the critical thinking and research skills essential for success in a globalized and information‑rich world.”
The course was developed under the leadership of Aimée Boutin, professor of French in the Department of Modern Languages and Linguistics. She collaborated closely with Rachel Duke, research and engagement program director for Special Collections and Archives; Kelly Grove, STEM program director and GIS and Earth Sciences librarian; and Jonathan DaSo, arts and humanities program director as well as modern languages and linguistics librarian at FSU Libraries.
Boutin designed “Paris World Capital” to challenge students’ preconceived notions about Paris by using a media-rich approach that examines how literature, history, monuments, tourism, and digital platforms contribute to the city’s image over time. “Most people’s image of Paris is constructed through media, including books, social media, websites and platforms like TripAdvisor, which makes it a powerful focus for digital literacy,” Boutin said. “The course combines practical information with critical thinking about how cities become global destinations while teaching students how to move beyond Google to find accurate, peer‑reviewed sources.”
The course structure differs from traditional models by integrating librarians directly into its design and delivery. Faculty members and librarians jointly created assignments and led multiple library sessions throughout the semester to ensure information literacy was woven throughout the curriculum.
Students are encouraged to recognize underrepresented perspectives within systems that produce information. The curriculum draws on diverse viewpoints such as those of author Victor Hugo and filmmaker Ladj Ly. By semester’s end, participants learn to independently formulate research questions, identify gaps in existing scholarship, organize findings meaningfully, and treat research as an ongoing inquiry.
Rachel Duke highlighted her enthusiasm for engaging students with archival materials: “The classroom is really my favorite place to see our materials come alive. Being able to watch students experience that moment of discovery when primary sources or rare materials suddenly click is incredibly rewarding.”
First offered in spring 2025, “Paris World Capital” also meets CoreFSU’s digital literacy requirement. Its design aligns with standards set out by the Association of College & Research Libraries’ Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education.
Hands-on activities include analyzing archival resources such as Turgot maps or Haussmann-era guidebooks housed at FSU Special Collections & Archives. Students also create interactive StoryMaps visualizing spatial relationships among Parisian landmarks. Grove explained: “Interactive StoryMaps allow students to engage creatively with their research and explore ideas at their own pace. Even if they don’t use this exact tool later, the experience helps them connect abstract concepts to real, physical places.”
Participants come from various backgrounds—some are seasoned French learners while others are new to academic research—but all gain skills in critically evaluating sources beyond stereotypes about Paris. The course introduces them to artificial intelligence tools used in academic research but emphasizes careful verification rather than shortcuts.
DaSo noted: “Knowing where your information comes from goes a long way in judging whether it’s accurate and reliable. Information literacy is about developing the ability to find, assess and use information in a wide range of contexts.”
Additional details about the Collaboration for Information Literacy Prize can be found at mla.org. More information about FSU Libraries is available at lib.fsu.edu; details on FSU’s Department of Modern Languages & Linguistics are provided at mll.fsu.edu.
