Abstract
This paper describes a newly designed graduate course developed and taught by a librarian. Basic information literacy attributes are emphasized in the course, enabling students to develop more specialized capabilities of locating, evaluating, and synthesizing research literature. Students in the course participate as members of a graduate cohort, so there is opportunity for them to evolve as a cohesive learning community.

The theoretical framework of communities of practice is used to inform the instructional design of this course. Observations of early teaching and learning experiences as well as reflections upon this approach to course development are offered.

Rosemary Green has been an academic librarian for twenty- five years, the last nine years as graduate librarian, concentrating on both on- and off-campus masters and doctoral students. Currently, her doctoral research investigates how postgraduates learn the literature review process.

Shenandoah University has 2,800 students.