Skip to Main Content

Short Learning Progamme: Part 1 - Building Blocks of Information Literacy: Unit 1 Information Literacy and the library

Click on the different tabs below to get to the next step.

Definitions of information literacy:

  • Information literacy is a set of skills, behaviour, approaches, and values that are closely connected to how we use information and are essential for learning, scholarship, and research.
  • It is a crucial characteristic of a knowledgeable scholar, a wise and informed citizen, and an independent learner.
  • Information literacy involves the ability to think critically and make fair assessments about the information we come across and utilise.

An information-skilled student should be able to:

  • Function effectively and confidently in any work environment, regardless of the level.
  • Recognise the need for information, understand its purpose, quantity, and type, and consider any limitations or constraints (such as time, format, currency, availability, and accessibility).
  • Acknowledge that information comes in various formats and can be found in different physical and virtual locations.
  • Identify available resources, know where to find them, how to access them, understand the strengths of different resource types, and determine when to use them appropriately.
  • Analyse and work with information to produce accurate and presentable research outcomes or to gain new knowledge and understanding.
  • Understand the importance of using information responsibly, with cultural sensitivity and ethical considerations in mind (including professional, business, and personal ethics).

Information literacy is the ability to identify that you need information to complete a specific task, locate and access the needed information, evaluate the information, and apply the information for its intended purpose. We can break down information literacy into:

Watch this video on information literacy
Source: Viva la Library (The Information Literacy Song) 

In higher education, it is expected of you to adhere to academic rules and regulations, in particular when using information for academic purposes.

  • During your academic career you will have to solve complex information problems.
  • To be a successful student you need to know how to find and use reliable information sources.
  • You must be able to critically evaluate information to determine whether information and sources of information are worthy to use for academic purposes. This also involves the application of ethical and legal practices when using information.
  • You must be able to use and apply technology to locate and access needed information.
  • You must understand that different types of information serve different purposes.
  • You must be able to organise and present information for further use.

Information literacy is a lifelong-learning process that prepares you to function in the workplace, as well as develops you into a well-rounded citizen. 

  • New information and data are constantly being produced and there is always more to learn; 
  • Being information literate involves developing a learning habit so new information is being actively sought all the time; 
  • Ideas and opportunities are created by investigating/seeking information;  
  • Understand the scale of the world of published and unpublished information and data;
  • Information resources reflect their creators’ expertise and credibility, and are evaluated based on the information need and the context in which the information will be used;
  • Information literacy is just as important in everyday life as for studies and research;
  • Information literacy in everyday life helps you to make sense of your immediate environment and provides you with the skills to meet the demands of modern society;
  • Information literacy forms the basis of lifelong-learning in that you are able to take current knowledge, generate new knowledge and transfer skills to other areas of your studies and one day your place of work.
     

Source: Bothma, T, Cosjin, E, Fourie, I. & Penzhorn, C. (2022). Navigating information literacy in a digital world. 6th edition. Pearson South Africa: Pretoria.

Information literacy is the ability to identify that you need information to complete a specific task, locate and access the needed information, evaluate the information, and apply the information for its intended purpose. We can break down information literacy into:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Image courtesy of eslprintable.com

STEP 1. Formulate questions 
based on one's information need

STEP 2. Develop a research plan

STEP 3. Getting to know a research topic

STEP 4. Refine a research topic

STEP 5. Identify key concepts

STEP 6. Identify different types, formats and 
uses of information sources