An information literate person can ...
Determine the extent of information needed:
- Define the extent of the research question or thesis (theory, argument, proposal, etc.).
- Identify key concepts (ideas).
- Select information sources that directly relate to identified concepts and answer the research question(s).
Access the needed information:
- Use effective, well-designed search strategies (systematic processes to search for information).
- Use most appropriate information sources for the research.
Evaluate information and its sources critically:
- Systematically and methodically analyze sources (for bias, assumptions, etc.)
- Evaluate the relevance of information to your research question or thesis (for context, etc.)
Use information effectively to accomplish a specific purpose:
- Communicate, organize, and synthesize (combine) information from sources to achieve a specific purpose (paper, speech, business plan, etc.) with clarity and depth.
Access and use information ethically and legally:
- Cite information correctly within text and references.
- Paraphrase, summarize, or quote correctly.
- Use information in ways that are true to original context.
- Distinguish between common knowledge and ideas requiring attribution (i.e. provide credit for original ideas)
- Demonstrate an understanding of the ethical and legal uses of information (do not plagiarize, do not violate copyright, etc.)
