Information Literacy: Getting Started

The Big6™ Skills  - big6.com

1. Task Definition-*Define the information problem    *Identify information needed    (to solve the information problem)

       What is my current task?          What are some topics or questions I need to answer?     What information will I need?

2. Information Seeking Strategies-*Determine all possible sources (brainstorm)      *Select the best sources

       What are all the possible sources to check?     What are the best sources of information for this task?

3. Location and Access-*Locate sources (intellectual & physical)      *Find information within sources

        Where can I find these sources?        Where can I find the information in the source?

4. Use of Information-*Engage (e.g., read, hear, view, touch)      *Extract relevant information

       What information do I expect to find in this source?      That information from the source is useful?

5. Synthesis-*Organize from multiple sources      *Present the information

       How will I organize my information? How should I present my information?

6. Evaluation-*Judge the product (effectiveness)         *Judge the process (efficiency)

       Did I do what was required?

According to the American Library Association, "Information literacy is a set of abilities requiring individuals to 'recognize when information is needed and have the ability to locate, evaluate, and use effectively the needed information.'"

"Information literacy empowers people in all walks of life to seek, evaluate, use and create information effectively to achieve their personal, social, occupational and educational goals. It is a basic human right in a digital world and promotes social inclusion in all nations."

 Alexandria Proclamation on Information Literacy and Lifelong Learning. (2005). Information literacy | United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. Retrieved April 29, 2016.

APA Style Quick Guide  Find examples of the 7th edition changes for correct citations of journals, magazines, newspapers, books, and online sources here.

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