Information Literacy: A key element to academic success
Information Literacy is about information use. Information literacy concepts and competencies are essential for our daily information experiences, use of information in the workplace, and in scholarly and academic environments.
In the college experience, you will use information literacy to complete discussion posts, case studies, and other research & writing assignments.
Being information literate includes being reflective in the discovery of information, understanding the value of information, using information to add to your current knowledge and create new knowledge, and to participate ethically in communities of learning (American Library Association, 2015). All of this relates to how you use information for your academic work.
Being information literate includes being reflective in the discovery of information, understanding the value of information, using the information to add to your current knowledge and create new knowledge, and participating ethically in communities of learning (American Library Association, 2015). All of this relates to how you use the information for your academic work.
Information Literacy Framework
The Information Literacy Framework
- Information has Value- Information has value based on context, and situation, and creates space and audience judgment. Value is also a function of access and legal and ethical considerations.
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Information Creation as a Process - Information creation is iterative and fueled by curiosity.
- Searching as Strategic Exploration - Exploring strategically includes a plan based on the information required, context, situation, cognition, and access.
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Authority is Constructed and Contextual- Authority indicates trust in the creator of the document; recognized as an expert on the topic.
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Research as Inquiry- Research includes inquiry, exploring, curiosity, and discovery.
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Scholarship as Conversation - Scholarship embraces conversation as part of critical thinking, evaluation, debate, comparing, contrasting, examining, defining, expanding, and simplifying concepts.
Information Literacy - Practical Applications
Think about how you use these skills while completing class assignments, in your workplace, or to meet your everyday information needs.
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identify information needs (topic, assignment requirements, answer the required question)
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locate/find/ access information (computer & internet literacy)
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evaluate information (useful, credible, authoritative)
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acknowledge the source (cite information correctly, avoid plagiarism)
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organize & use information in a meaningful way (critical thinking, synthesizing concepts, considering ethics)
Information Literacy and Sociology
Think about this definition of Information Literacy that situates information literacy using a sociology lens:
"Information literacy is the ability to think critically and make balanced judgments about any information we find and use. It empowers us as citizens to develop informed views and to engage fully with society"
CILIP definition of Information Literacy 2018, (CILIP - UK Library and Information Associaton- https://www.cilip.org.uk/)
SSC Information Literacy Student Learning Outcome
SSC Information Literacy Student Learning Outcome
Discovering, interpreting, evaluating, and using information appropriately in creating new knowledge and practicing life-long learning.