Information Literacy... it's all about how you use information.

What info do you need?     newspaper articles, factual info, opinions, critical reviews, commentary..?

Where will you look for it?    is the internet libraries have lots more than just books - they have DVDs, newspaper collections, study guides, phone books, graphic novels...

How will you evaluate the information you find?     How do you know whether to believe what you read?

Will you use it effectively?     What is the most powerful way to use the info you find? Can you present it as a video? Electronic poster, website..?

Will you use it ethically?     Will you acknowledge the good work that went before you by citing your sources?


Why do students need to be information literate?
"Information literacy is required because of proliferating information access and resources. Individuals are faced with diverse, abundant information choices - in their studies, in the workplace, and in their lives." (Information Literacy Standards, 1st Ed.2001 Canberra. Council of Australian University Librarians)

"Increasingly, information comes unfiltered. This raises questions about authenticity, validity, and reliability. In addition, information is available through multiple media, including graphical, aural, and textual. These pose special challenges in evaluating, understanding and using information in an ethical and legal manner. The uncertain quality and expanding quantity of information also pose large challenges for society. Sheer abundance of information and technology will not in itself create more informed citizens without a complementary understanding and capacity to use information effectively."  (Information Literacy Standards, 1st Ed.2001 Canberra. Council of Australian University Librarians)

What is information literacy?
"Information literacy is an understanding and set of abilities enabling individuals to recognise when information is needed and have the capacity to locate, evaluate, and use effectively the needed information.

  An information literate person is able to

·      recognise a need for information

·      determine the extent of information needed

·      access the needed information efficiently

·      evaluate the information and its sources

·      incorporate selected information into their knowledge base

·      use information effectively to accomplish a purpose

·      understand economic, legal, social and cultural issues in the use of information

·      access and use information ethically and legally

·      classify, store, manipulate and redraft information collected or generated

·      recognise information literacy as a prerequisite for lifelong learning."
Information Literacy Standards, 1st Ed.2001 Canberra. Council of Australian University Librarians