As of Fall 2017, a select group of WARC writing tutors are trained by the AUCA Library on research-related skills such as the use of library and online resources, evaluation of source credibility, and ethical citation practices. By training in these fields, WARC Information Literacy/Research (ILR) tutors can integrate this knowledge into their tutoring sessions, either in the WARC or online. In addition, the ILR tutors also hold “Ask Me” consultation hours in the Library. Since its inception, this initiative has been met with enthusiasm from tutors, staff, faculty,​​​​ and students.

Elena Turdieva, Acting Library Director: 
“We take into consideration that the skill set demanded of a 21st-century professional includes, first and foremost, the ability to think critically and navigate and process large amounts of information from multiple sources. Therefore, for a few years now, we have been offering workshops on how to search for information in electronic and print media, electronic databases, evaluation of sources and copyright, and source citations in different formats. This year, as part of the joint WARC-Library initiative, we also conduct in-depth workshops for WARC tutors. We can already tell, based on the sessions conducted so far, that it is an effective and promising educational project due to the strong interest and sense of responsibility on part of the WARC tutors and their readiness to share knowledge with others.”

Farkhad Musasov, WARC Tutor: 
“The American University of Central Asia is the place for multi-dimensional development of its students. The value of the WARC-Library Information Literacy/Research initiative is that it focuses on the most essentials skills that are needed by students to complete research projects ranging from FYS essays to the senior thesis. With this training, WARC tutors are able to not only help students complete their assignments, but assist them with the use of the entire body of academic resources AUCA provides to its community.”

With the continued support of the AUCA community, the WARC and AUCA Library look forward to cooperating across the university’s departments and offices to cultivate a community of highly skilled, highly ethical researchers.