What is Information Literacy?
Information literacy is the ability to identify, locate, evaluate, and use information effectively and ethically. It encompasses a range of skills that allow individuals to navigate the vast landscape of information, understand its creation and value, and utilize it for various purposes.
People don't create all information equally, and with the overwhelming number of results, it is our responsibility to find reputable sources to improve our information literacy. There are endless sources of information at our fingertips; for example, Google can find millions of results in just seconds, but how do we know which result is reputable, unbiased, and correct?
Featured Resource
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Information Literacy Through Theory
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Publication Date: 2024Provides an approachable introduction to theory development and use within information literacy research. Each chapter considers a particular theory as its focal point, from information literacy and the social to information literacy through an equity mindset, and unpacks what assumptions the theory makes about key concepts.
Seven Pillars of Information Literacy
The Society of College, National, and University Libraries (SCONUL) model identifies Seven Pillars of Information Literacy. These pillars are a general guide and not a step-by-step process. You will likely visit these concepts out of order and revisit them as you progress.
- Identify: Understand Your Information Need
- Scope: Know What Is Available
- Plan: Develop Research Strategies
- Gather: Find What You Need
- Evaluate: Assess Your Research Process and Findings
- Manage: Organize Information Effectively and Ethically
- Present: Share What You've Learned
Key Resources
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Research Strategies: Finding Your Way Through the Information Fog
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Call Number: Fennell STACKS Z710 .B22 2017Publication Date: 2017 -
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Academic Search Premier
Multidisciplinary research database. Covers the subjects of biology, chemistry, engineering, physics and psychology. Includes peer-reviewed, full-text articles and videos from the Associated Press.
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General OneFile
General interest periodical database covering up-to-date content on virtually any topic. Includes newspaper, magazine and journal articles, reference books and multimedia content.
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Directory of Open Access Journals
Online journal directory. Provides access to high quality, peer-reviewed, open access scholarly research journals globally, regardless of discipline, geography or language.
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Framework for Information Literacy for Higher EducationThis resource from The Association of College and Research Libraries discusses the different frameworks to view information through in regards to information literacy.
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Project Information LiteracyProject Information Literacy (PIL) is a nonprofit research institute that shares the results of their national studies. Their focus is how students interact with information in the digital age.
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Searching OnlineOverview of Online Searching tips and strategies
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Search Engines and DirectoriesA guide that discusses the different types of search engines you will encounter while researching
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Information Literacy in the Digital Age
Learn how to how to complement your online knowledge with information literacy, critical reading and thinking skills with this video from Films On Demand. -
A Student’s Guide to Critical Thinking
In this video, viewers will understand what it takes to think critically – to determine the facts of a subject without prejudice, place these facts and information in a pattern to better understand and explain them, and accept and reject conclusions based upon experience, judgment, and beliefs.