Information Literacy

What is information literacy?

“To be information literate, a person must be able to recognize when information is needed and have the ability to locate, evaluate, and use effectively the needed information.”

 American Library Association. Presidential Committee on Information Literacy. Final Report.  (1989).

How is information literacy different from computer literacy?

Computer literacy is having the ability to use a computer. Accessing electronic information requires one to know how to use a computer, but does not require critical thinking skills. Information literacy is having the ability to access, retrieve, and evaluate information by using critical thinking skills.

What are “Information Literacy Competency Standards”?

ACRL, a division of the American Library Association, has defined five information literacy standards, each of which has numerous performance indicators and outcomes. These standards characterize an information literate person as the following:

• Determines the nature and extent of the information needed.
• Accesses the needed information effectively and efficiently.
• Evaluates information and incorporates selected information into his or her knowledge base and value system.
• Uses information effectively to accomplish a specific purpose.
• Understands the economic, legal, and social issues surrounding the use of information and accesses and uses information ethically and legally.

Why is information literacy important?

Teaching students to think critically about information is an important goal for information literacy instruction. The lack of good information skills hinders a student who graduates from college and does not know how to use those skills in the workplace and for lifelong learning. In our “copy and paste” academic environment, faculty and librarians must work together to help students learn to be independent learners.

What role does information literacy play in accreditation?

Four of the regional accreditation commissions are stressing information literacy as a mandate. Buzzwords are “educational effectiveness,” “student engagement,” “learning outcomes,” and “assessment.” The Southern Association of College and Schools [SACS] emphasizes student instruction in the use of library resources. Critical thinking and information literacy are recognized as important skills for students.

Want to learn how TCC reference librarians can incorporate information literacy into your classes?

Can information literacy skills be integrated into course assignments?

Absolutely! This is a very effective way to help students learn research and information skills. Librarians and faculty can collaborate to create or adapt assignments to incorporate literacy standards.

What instructional services do TCC librarians offer for my classes?

Faculty can schedule their classes for library instruction for course specific sources. Classes may be held in the Library or the classroom. The instructional session will be tailored to the class and focus on the assignment.

Are other library services available for students to enhance their information literacy skills?

• Library workshops are offered each semester to help students learn how to use electronic databases and the Internet. No registration is necessary.
• Library information guides and tutorials for using resources, citing sources, and using the databases are available in print and on the Library’s web page.
• If students are having trouble finding resources for their research topics, they may schedule a research consultation with a librarian. This one-hour individualized session will get the student focused on the best sources and on the right track for completion of the assignment.
• The Library’s web page is a portal to the resources offered by the Library, as well as providing links to other excellent resources.
• Librarians also teach LIS 2004, a web course, that teaches information literacy skills. Students are urged to take this one-hour course to help prepare them for their college career.

Can faculty schedule a research consultation?

Faculty are encouraged to utilize this service to help them in broadening their own knowledge base. With technology changing so much and new electronic resources being added each year to the resources provided by the Library, it is imperative for faculty to know what their students are using for research.

Want more information?

Call 201-8383 which is the main number of the Reference Department or email library@tcc.fl.edu

Either your liaison librarian, research consultation librarian, or an instructional librarian will contact you.

  TCC Library

 Reference & Information Services

October 2008

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Additional Resources:

• Information Literacy Mission Statement
  Library provides an IL program that supports the development of lifelong learning skills
• Information Literacy Tutorial
• Powerpoint Presentation on Information Literacy (octet-stream 285.50 kB)
  Slide presentation includes Guideline of Characteristics of IL Programs Best Practices: IL Standards: Il Initiative
• ACRL: Information Literacy
  Portal of resources from the Association of College and Research Libraries.
• Florida’s Statewide Student Learning Outcomes
• TCC’s General Education Requirements

 revised October 2011