Information Literacy
The ACRL (2000) refers to Information literacy as a lifelong learning process (IFLA, 2006), involving the formal development of six critical stages/skills of a person’s knowledge development.
The following carefully reviewed resources will help you develop your information literacy skill set, from identifying and refining research tasks, to communicating the results effectively and ethically to the desired audience, in the correct format.
Each of the following skills will be increasingly required as information and data become more abundant. As well as attending advertised workshops, and completing information literacy tasks during your coursework, you should consult at least two resources in each “research” area in the following list. You should also make time to consult with the librarian about information literacy skills such as APA citation, checking for plagiarism, etc.
Quick Link
Recommended Resources List
1. Understand Why Information Literacy is Important
Information Literacy Why Is It Important (ACRL)
2. Determine Extent of Information Needed
Developing a Research Question
3. Access Information Effectively and Efficiently
4. Critically Evaluate Information
What Are Credible Websites?
5. Communicate Findings: Citation Tools
6. Understand Copyright, Plagiarism, & Ethical Use
Copyright or wrong: a brief guide to copyright images
Workshops & Webinars
- =Surf Like A Pro
- =Fake or Fact: Searching for Scholarly Information
- =Introduction to Information Literacy
- =Say NO to Plagiarism: Copyright, Fair Use, and Plagiarism
- =Six Steps to a Perfect Research Paper
- =Library Services – Orientation Slides
- =Library Services - Faculty Orientation Slides
- =STOP! Cite Before You Write
The ITU library works with faculty in the following ways, to help you develop this critical skill set:
National Standards
Librarians and faculty, develop a curriculum that is based on a highly research and regarded national framework and set of information literacy standards and best practices recommended for higher education.
Learning Outcomes
The Information Literacy Value Rubric (AACU 2016) is used by faculty and librarians to make sure that Information literacy objectives are identified, mapped, taught and evaluated within course units as well as through the library, library website and other tools.
Teacher Training & Awareness
Training programs and workshops for faculty about how to teach information literacy skills within their course units, in their proper context, e.g. Teaching Information Literacy Workshop (June 2016) Example: Business Information Resources Workshop
Learning Materials & Resources
The library develops “templates” for lessons that teach the various information literacy skills, e.g. Defining the research question.
References & Bibliography
- Association of College & Research Libraries (ACRL, 2013). Guidelines for University Library Services to Undergraduate Students. Retrieved from http://www.ala.org/acrl/standards/ulsundergraduate
- Association of College & Research Libraries (ACRL, 2016). Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education. Retrieved from: http://www.ala.org/acrl/standards/ilframework
- Association of American Colleges & Universities (AACU, 2016). Information Literacy Value Rubric. Retrieved from: https://www.aacu.org/value/rubrics/information-literacy
- International Federation of Library Associations & Institutions (IFLA, 2006). Guidelines for Information Literacy for Lifelong Learning. Retrieved from: http://www.ifla.org/files/assets/information-literacy/publications/ifla-guidelines-en.pdf
- American Library Association (ALA, 2008). Code of Ethics of the American Library Association. Retrieved from: http://www.ala.org/advocacy/proethics/codeofethics/codeethics
- American Library Association (ALA, 1996). Bill of Rights. Retrieved from: http://www.ala.org/advocacy/intfreedom/librarybill