What is Information Literacy?
Information Literacy describes how we interact with information and how to improve those interactions. 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?
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.
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
Resources for Information Literacy
Introduction to Information Literacy for Students by Publication Date: 2017Presents a concise, practical guide to navigating information in the digital age, and provides students with effective research strategies.
- 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.
- Information Literacy in the Digital AgeLearn how to how to complement your online knowledge with information literacy, critical reading and thinking skills with this video from Films On Demand.
- 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.