Information Literacy

Information Literacy is the set of skills needed to find, access, retrieve, analyze, synthesize and use information effectively and ethically.

College students must be information literate learners who can:

• Determine the extent of information needed
• Access needed information effectively and efficiently
• Evaluate information and its sources critically
• Incorporate selected information into their own knowledge base
• Use information effectively to accomplish a specific purpose
• Understand the economic, legal, and social issues surrounding the use of information
• Access and use information ethically.

Information literacy is defined as 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.” 

It forms the basis of lifelong learning, common to all disciplines, learning environments, and levels of education.