The Library is committed to the
College's philosophy of life-long learning, an important component
of which is information literacy. The Library is participating
in the College Information Literacy program. Call the Director at
610-558-5542 for more information. |
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Definition
of Information Literacy |
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What is information literacy?
According to the American
Library Association, information literacy is the ability “to
recognize when information is needed and … to locate, evaluate,
and use effectively the needed information.” |
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Why is it important?
Students have always needed to know how to find and use information,
and instructors have always taught these skills. Now, however, because
of the Internet, students have access to more information than ever
before. For instance, the Neumann College Library subscribes to
about 400 print periodicals, but provides access to almost 10,000
online periodicals via databases. Google indexes over 4 billion
Web pages!
Formal instruction in information literacy helps students deal
with the deluge of information, and according to the Association
of College and Research Libraries, “Information literacy
forms the basis for lifelong learning.” Because of its importance,
accrediting bodies now expect colleges and universities to establish
and assess information literacy standards. |
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What are the standards?
Each institution can devise its own standards. The Association of
College and Research Libraries recommends five basic standards, which
can be broken down into various performance indicators and outcomes.
- The information literate student determines the nature and extent
of the information needed.
- The information literate student accesses needed information
effectively and efficiently.
- The information literate student evaluates information and its
sources critically and incorporates selected information into
his or her knowledge base and value system.
- The information literate student, individually or as a member
of a group, uses information effectively to accomplish a specific
purpose.
- The information literate student understands many of the economic,
legal, and social issues surrounding the use of information and
accesses and uses information ethically and legally.
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Information
Literacy Resources |
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Characteristics
of Excellence in Higher Education
Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
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Information
Literacy Competency Standards for Higher Education
Association of College and Research Libraries
Also available in Neumann College Library: Reference Book Z675.U5
A87 2000 |
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Information
Literacy Tutorials |
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CORE
(Comprehensive Online Research Education)
Purdue University Libraries |
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Plagiarism
Court
Ramona Islam, DiMenna-Nyselius Library, Fairfield University |
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TILT
(Texas Information Literacy Tutorial)
University of Texas System Digital Library |
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Related
Resources |
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Assessing
Internet Information
Neumann College Library |
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Citation
& Style Guides
Neumann College Library |
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Copyright
for Educators
Neumann College Library |
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Library Instruction
Neumann College Library |
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