Introduction to Information

Literacy

Chapter 1

1 | 2Copyright 2012 Wadsworth © Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

Chapter Topics

• Information Literacy in the 21st Century• Components of Information Literacy in the 21st

Century• Why Is Information Literacy Important?• Steps in Effective Research

1 | 3Copyright 2012 Wadsworth © Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

The Big Picture

This chapter lays the foundation for understanding the many aspects of information literacy. It provides a context for applying the information presented in subsequent chapters.

1 | 4Copyright 2012 Wadsworth © Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

Learning Objectives

• Define information literacy.• List the specific skills required for an individual

to be an information-literate student or professional in the 21st century.

• Explain the importance of knowing how to locate, access, retrieve, evaluate, use, and effectively communicate information in school and in the workplace.

1 | 5Copyright 2012 Wadsworth © Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

Learning Objectives (cont’d)

• Explain the challenges facing an individual who does not possess information skills in school and in the workplace.

1 | 6Copyright 2012 Wadsworth © Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

Case In Point Questions

• How well do you think you could determine the kind and extent of information you might be asked to find so you are able to accomplish a professional task?

• How efficient would you be at finding the information in a library or on the Internet?

• How would you know that the information that you find is credible?

1 | 7Copyright 2012 Wadsworth © Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

Case in Point Questions (cont’d)

• How skilled are you at pulling significant points from a large body of information and organizing them into a one- to two- page summary for review by professionals in your field?

• How effectively could you make a presentation that would both engage and teach your colleagues?

1 | 8Copyright 2012 Wadsworth © Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

Information Literacy in the 21st Century: An Overview

Information literacy for the 21st century is defined as “the adoption of appropriate information behavior to identify, through whatever channel or medium, information well

fitted to information needs, leading to wise and ethical use of information in society.”

-S. Webber (2010)

Information literacy for the 21st century is defined as “the adoption of appropriate information behavior to identify, through whatever channel or medium, information well

fitted to information needs, leading to wise and ethical use of information in society.”

-S. Webber (2010)

1 | 9Copyright 2012 Wadsworth © Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

Information Literacy in the 21st Century: An Overview

• Define: Define the need, problem, or question.• Find: Locate, access, and retrieve the information from a

variety of print, electronic, and human information sources.

• Evaluate: Evaluate the credibility, currency, reliability, validity, and appropriateness of the information retrieved.

1 | 10Copyright 2012 Wadsworth © Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

Information Literacy in the 21st Century: An Overview

• Organize: Organize the information so that it can be used to meet the information need, solve the problem, or answer the question.

• Communicate: Communicate the information legally and ethically using a variety of channels and to a range of audiences.

1 | 11Copyright 2012 Wadsworth © Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

Critical Thinking

1 | 12Copyright 2012 Wadsworth © Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

Creative Thinking

The process of • Actively exploring possibilities• Generating alternatives• Keeping an open mind toward change• Combining ideas to create something new• Viewing old concepts in new ways

1 | 13Copyright 2012 Wadsworth © Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

Problem Solving

1 | 14Copyright 2012 Wadsworth © Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

Higher Order Thinking(Bloom’s Taxonomy)

1 | 15Copyright 2012 Wadsworth © Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

Effective Communication

1 | 16Copyright 2012 Wadsworth © Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

Organization

• Understanding and using file management systems

• Using time management techniques• Breaking complex tasks into manageable

objectives• Using graphic organizers

1 | 17Copyright 2012 Wadsworth © Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

Computer Literacy

• Hardware• Software• Internet• Multimedia• File Management• Security

1 | 18Copyright 2012 Wadsworth © Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

Library Literacy

• Books and periodicals• Databases and directories• Catalogs and indexes• Media resources• Reference materials

1 | 19Copyright 2012 Wadsworth © Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

Media Literacy

• Audio resources• Visual resources• Graphic resources• Web-based resources• Interactive resources • Other formats

1 | 20Copyright 2012 Wadsworth © Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

Technology Literacy

• Ability to use basic computer software programs– Word-processing– Spreadsheets– Presentation Tools– Databases

• Ability to use the Internet• Ability to use supporting tools

– Search engines– File management systems– Etc.

1 | 21Copyright 2012 Wadsworth © Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

Why is information literacy important?

So what if you lack these skills?

1 | 22Copyright 2012 Wadsworth © Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

Steps in Effective Research

1 | 23Copyright 2012 Wadsworth © Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

Chapter Summary

• Information Literacy in the 21st Century• Components of Information Literacy in the 21st

Century• Why is Information Literacy Important?• Steps in Effective Research