INFORMATION
LITERACY MODULE OF CORE 101
Welcome to the "Information Literacy Web Pages." This
set of electronic resources is a component of the course CORE 101.
In common with the other segments of this class, the information literacy
module will focus on approaches and techniques that facilitate effective
learning. The material covered in this part of the course expands and replaces
the "Library Instruction" component of the old Freshman Seminar.
The new module represents an effort to assist students to develop the skills
necessary to take advantage not just of library materials, but also of a
vast and global assortment of information sources, tools, and processes.
With those competencies they will be able to retrive and use information
effectively in a wide variety of formats and locations.
What is information literacy?
Information literacy is an expression that describes the range of skills required for effective handling of information. Those include the ability to locate, evaluate, manage and use information from a range of sources
for problem solving, decision making and research.
As our society changes, moving from an industrial age to post-industrial
or information age, so do the needs related to information. At the present
time most jobs, careers, and business activities require the ability to
retrieve, manage and apply vast amounts of information. This is more than
the capability to handle a computer. The information literacy required
by today's job market place involves the capacity to retrieve in a timely
manner the best possible information for use in a vast array of situations.
Information literacy, therefore, is much broader than computer literacy.
It involves the ability to use modern technology and traditional tools
to find and use information effectively. It empowers people to benefit
fully from the information age and prepares them for lifelong learning.
In today's world, information literacy is no longer an optional competence.
It is a survival skill.
What is an information literate person?
An information literate person is someone who has the following skills:
- Recognize the need for accurate and relevant information and formulates appropriate questions based on that need.
- Identifies potential sources of information.
- Develops successful search strategies.
- Uses a variety of electronic and print tools to access needed information.
- Evaluates information effectively.
- Organizes information for practical application.
- Uses critical thinking skills to synthesize information, to integrate
it into the existing body of knowledge, to apply it effectively in problem
solving, to make intelligent decisions, and to communicate more effectively.
Outline of the Information Literacy Modules
Summary: What is an information literate person?
The American Library Association defined an information literate population
as "people who have learned how to learn. They know how to learn because
they know how knowledge is organized, how to find information, and how to
use information in such a way that others can learn from them. They are
people prepared for lifelong learning, because they can always find the
information needed for any task or decision at hand." American Library
Association. ALA's Presidential committee on Information Literacy Final
Report. Chicago, A.L.A., 1989. p.7.
Assignment:
- Read the text of Module 1 and be prepared to discuss in
class the topics it covers. Do not worry if you have questions about it,
just remember to voice them in class. Your questions can be good
starting points for class discussion.
If you have any questions about the assignment or about the information literacy
component of CORE 101, please send Email to your information literacy
instructor. He or she will be one of the following: Gilbert
Abella, Chris Cicchetti, Maynard
Lowry, or Jamie Walker.