Information Literacy  Tags: information_literacy il  

Information Literacy is the set of skills needed to find, retrieve, analyze, and use information. The Association of College and Research Libraries outlined five standards that today's students would need to succeed in school and their career.

An information literate student has the ability to:

• Determine the nature and extent of information needed
• Access needed information effectively and efficiently
• Evaluate information and its sources critically and incorporate selected information into one's knowledge base and value system
• Use information effectively to accomplish a specific purpose
• Understand the economic, legal and social issues surrounding the use of information

In the last ten years, print, media and electronic resources have grown exponentially. New technologies have changed the way we access information, work and live. Now it is much easier to access all kinds of information instantaneously. However, knowing how and where to find reliable information can be difficult. Seeking information effectively and efficiently is a learned skill that is developed through practice. By teaching our students these skills, we enable them to become confident researchers and independent life-long learners.

Watch this video to understand why information literacy is relevant in all our lives these days.

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Incorporating a few assignments into the course curriculum can do much to improve students' information seeking and critical thinking skills. Existing assignments can be revised to incorporate information literacy skills without compromising one's time devoted to teaching course content.

The tabs above will give you examples of assignments which meet one of the five information literacy standards.  To get help with planning your own assignment, please call the library reference desk at 480-423-6650.  We would be happy to help you infuse information literacy throughout your curriculum.