Information Literacy FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
What is information literacy, and why is it important?
What are information literacy standards?
How is information literacy being taught at Centralia College?
I am an instructor. How can I incorporate information literacy exercises/assignments into my course?
I am a student. How can information literacy help me succeed?
Where can I find out more about information literacy?
What is information literacy, and why is it important?
According to the
Association of College and Research Libraries, Information literacy is a "set of abilities" which enable individuals to "recognize when information is needed" and "to locate, evaluate, and use the information effectively." In other words, information literacy
means knowing when to find, where to find, and how to use information.
Information literacy skills are especially relevant to us because, although more information than ever is available right at our fingertips via the Web, navigating such a wide variety of
sources can be a daunting task.
Information literacy entails:
- determining which Web sites offer reliable information (vs. hoaxes and non-authoritative sites)
- determining whether a search engine such as Google, library databases, or library catalog will best fulfill your information needs
- choosing keywords and a search strategy that will target information on your topic most effectively
- avoiding plagiarism by citing your sources properly
- comparing, contrasting, and synthesizing information
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What are information literacy standards?
You've probably gathered that, in general, information literacy is about being an effective researcher and thinking critically about information. However, there is more to it than that.
The hierarchy of information literacy standards (and their corresponding performance indicators and outcomes) developed by the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) offers more details regarding what information literacy is all about. Each of
the five standards are stated generally. For each standard, there is a set of performance indicators that break the standards down into more detailed and concrete language. In turn, specific, measurable outcomes that the "information literate" individual
should be able to demonstrate are attached to each performance indicator.
Examples showing how language of standards, performance indicators and outcomes represents a continuum moving from general to specific/practical:
Standard One: "the information literate student determines the nature and extent of the information needed."
A Performance indicator under Standard One: "the information literate student identifies a variety of types and formats of potential sources for information."
An outcome for Standard One: "identifies the value and differences of potential resources in a variety of formats (e.g., multimedia, database, website, data set, audio/visual, book)."
A
complete list of the ACRL information literacy standards, along with their corresponding performance indicators and outcomes, can be accessed on the ACRL Web site.
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How is information literacy being taught at Centralia College?
Information literacy instruction takes place in the library and in Centralia College classrooms (both online and on campus) every day. Anything that your instructor or a librarian does to
help you prepare for assignments that incorporate the following activities qualifies as information literacy instruction:
- stating your information need in the form of a thesis or research question
- choosing the appropriate resource in order to locate information
- searching library databases, the library catalog, or the Web
- determining whether Web sites are reliable or not
- citing sources
- comparing/contrasting, synthesizing or organizing information
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I am an instructor. How can I incorporate information literacy exercises/assignments into my course?
A
Centralia College librarian would be happy to help you find ways to weave information literacy activities into your course. In the meantime, visit the St. Anselm College Geisel Library
Information Literacy Assignments page to explore some ideas.
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I am a student.
How can information literacy help me succeed?
Here are some situations where the ability to "locate, evaluate and use information effectively" might come in handy:
- finding information that will help you pick the right four-year college or
the right certification program
- doing research for any college assignment
- finding information that will help you decide on a career
- professional development: finding resources/ information that will help you gain skills or certifications after you find a job
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Where can I find out more about information literacy?
Centralia College librarians can provide you with more information about information literacy. Or explore on your own:
ACRL: Information Literacy
American Library Association: Information Literacy for Faculty and Administrators
American Library Association: Information Literacy Standards, Performance Indicators, and Outcomes
Discover Information Literacy (YouTube video)
St. Anselm College Geisel Library Information Literacy Assignments page
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