What is information literacy? It encompasses more than an effective Information Strategy. Set in the context of the Information Strategy presented on these pages, the additional elements that make up information literacy include the following:
- Define ... a topic by gathering understandable background/overview information about it.
This step includes being able to select, find, and effectively utilize appropriate sources of information.
- Identify ... specific sources of information (articles, books, government documents, etc.) relevant to the defined topic.
This step includes being able to select, find, and effectively utilize--if needed--an appropriate database(s) and/or other sources to identify relevant and appropriate articles, books, documents, etc.
This step also involves basic knowledge about the differences between different types of information (for example--popular press and scholarly/primary information) and different types of publications, some knowledge of how information is produced--the formal and informal (example--the Internet) publication process, the cost of information and the impact of those costs on consumers and organizations (like libraries), the economics, structure, and concentration of the publishing industry, etc.
- Locate ... the articles, books, documents, etc. identified above at your local library, online, or elsewhere.
This step includes being familiar with the basic organization of libraries and the particular organization of the library or libraries that an individual may use most often. In addition, this step involves basic familiarity with current practices in how information is made available--different formats (paper, online, etc.), different versions of a publication, etc. The costs of the different modes of availability, formats, and versions to organizations and individuals are pertinent here as well.
- Evaluate ... the validity, objectivity, and usefulness of the information you have gathered.
This is the most crucial step ... all the knowledge above, basic knowledge of how research is conducted in particular scholarly areas, and a skeptical eye are essential here. Students and others must be vigilant in critically analyzing the information they gather.
Questions? Please let me know.
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