Information Literacy

The ability to find, store, evaluate, and synthesize information to answer questions, develop new ones, and create new content and knowledge in an ethical and socially responsible manner.

Information Literacy requires a flexible approach that understands the processes necessary to navigate varied information landscapes, looking in multiple places and adjusting search strategies as necessary. The search context can be influenced by one’s own perspective; different types of authority or expertise; and cultural, professional, and/or disciplinary expectations. Information must be evaluated for relevancy, reliability, credibility, and currency. Different pieces of information should be related to each other, and fit into a broader intellectual framework. Information should be clearly attributed and used ethically in ways that do not misrepresent it, respect privacy where appropriate, and be in line with relevant disciplinary or professional ethical norms.

Guiding Questions

  • What search methods, and search terms have I used? How have I refined my search strategies based on initial search results?
  • Have I evaluated and selected sources from a broad range of perspectives that are appropriately current, reliable, and credible; and relevant to my investigation?
  • How is the information I have found shaped by the cultural, professional, or disciplinary contexts from which it comes?
  • How does my own positionality and worldview affect my perception of the information I am engaging with?
  • How do my different sources of information relate to each other and fit into a broader intellectual framework?
  • Does my finished product accurately and consistently attribute or cite the sources of each piece of information used?
  • In what ways have I used information responsibly in accordance with ethical norms (for example by respecting privacy as appropriate, or by not misrepresenting information or taking it out of context)?