Information Literacy Teaching Resources

Searching for information is often nonlinear and iterative, requiring the evaluation of a range of information sources and the mental flexibility to pursue alternate avenues as new understanding develops. -ACRL

Knowledge Practices

Learners who are developing their information literate abilities

• determine the initial scope of the task required to meet their information needs;
• identify interested parties, such as scholars, organizations, governments, and industries, who might produce information about a topic and then determine how to access that information;
• utilize divergent (e.g., brainstorming) and convergent (e.g., selecting the best source) thinking when searching;
• match information needs and search strategies to appropriate search tools;
• design and refine needs and search strategies as necessary, based on search results;
• understand how information systems (i.e., collections of recorded information) are organized in order to access relevant information;
• use different types of searching language (e.g., controlled vocabulary, keywords, natural language) appropriately;
• manage searching processes and results effectively.

Dispositions

Learners who are developing their information literate abilities

• exhibit mental flexibility and creativity;
• understand that first attempts at searching do not always produce adequate results;
• realize that information sources vary greatly in content and format and have varying relevance and value, depending on the needs and nature of the search;
• seek guidance from experts, such as librarians, researchers, and professionals;
• recognize the value of browsing and other serendipitous methods of information gathering;
• persist in the face of search challenges, and know when they have enough information to complete the information task.

       Knowledge Practices:

• Design and refine needs and search strategies as necessary, based on search results

• Understand how information systems (i.e., collections of recorded information) are organized in order to access relevant information

• Use different types of searching language (e.g., controlled vocabulary, keywords, natural language) appropriately

       Knowledge Practices:

• Understand how information systems (i.e., collections of recorded information) are organized in order to access relevant information

• Use different types of searching language (e.g., controlled vocabulary, keywords, natural language) appropriately

       Knowledge Practices:

• Determine the initial scope of the task required to meet their information needs

• Design and refine needs and search strategies as necessary, based on search results

       Knowledge Practices:

• Match information needs and search strategies to appropriate search tools
• Understand how information systems (i.e., collections of recorded information) are organized in order to access relevant information