Information Literacy

The Library is committed to the University's philosophy of life-long learning, an important component of which is information literacy. The Library is participating in the University Information Literacy program. Call the Director at 610-558-5542 for more information.

Definition of Information Literacy

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.”

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 University 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.

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.

1. The information literate student determines the nature and extent of the information needed.

2. The information literate student accesses needed information effectively and efficiently.

3. The information literate student evaluates information and its sources critically and incorporates selected information into his or her knowledge base and value system.

4. The information literate student, individually or as a member of a group, uses information effectively to accomplish a specific purpose.

5. 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.

Information Literacy Resources

Characteristics of Excellence in Higher Education
Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Information Literacy Competency Standards for Higher Education
Association of College and Research Libraries
Also available in Neumann University Library: Reference Book Z675.U5 A87 2000

Information Literacy Tutorials

CORE (Comprehensive Online Research Education)
Purdue University Libraries

Plagiarism Court
Ramona Islam, DiMenna-Nyselius Library, Fairfield University

TILT (Texas Information Literacy Tutorial)
University of Texas System Digital Library

Related Resources

Assessing Internet Information
Neumann University Library

Citation & Style Guides
Neumann University Library

Copyright for Educators
Neumann University Library

Library Instruction
Neumann University Library