Introduction to Introduction to Information Information

LiteracyLiteracy

In this tutorial, you will learn the basics of:

• What information literacy is and why it is important.

• How information is analyzed.• How to develop a topic for research.• How to evaluate information.

What is Information Literacy?

According to the American Library Association (ALA), information literacy is “the set of skills needed to find, retrieve, analyze, and use information.”

Why is Information Literacy Important?

• Not all information is accurate, authoritative, current, and reliable.

• Some information is biased, misleading, out-of-date, or false.

Section 1: Analyzing Information

Categorizing Information

• Information can be organized by subject matter, format, or both.

• Information can be categorized by when it was produced, or who produced it and for whom.

Information Formats

• Print• Digital• Audio/Video

• Multimedia• Microform• Personal

Communication

PublicationsPopular publications-

Publications to inform and entertain the general public.

Scholarly publications-

Publications that disseminate research and academic discussions among professionals.

Trade-

Publications that allow practitioners in specific industries to share market and product information.

Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary Sources

Primary Source:

Words, images, or other materials created by a person (or persons) directly involved in an activity or event.

Secondary Source:

Words, images, or other materials created as an analysis of events or ideas.

Tertiary Source:

Materials that compile secondary sources together.

Which of the following would be an example of a primary source?

A. Movie Review

B. Encyclopedia

C. Chemist’s Lab Notes

D. Newspaper Article

Sorry, that’s not correct.Please try again!

Great job!The correct answer is C. Chemist’s Lab Notes

Section 2: Topics of Research

What is research?

According to Cambridge Dictionaries Online, research is “a detailed study of a subject, especially in order to discover (new) information or reach a (new) understanding.”

Determining a Research Topic

First step is to understand the basic requirements of the project, paper, or presentation.

Research Project, Paper, or Presentation Requirements

• Description?

• Analysis?

• Scope?

Refining a Research Topic• Choose one aspect of a topic that is of

interest to narrow research.

• Examine encyclopedia articles or other reference materials for ideas and possible subtopics.

• State topic as a question to answer.

Background Information • Once a research topic/question has been

established, the next step is to find background information on that topic.

• There are many different types of resources that can be used to find basic, background information on a research topic.

Style GuidesBibliography Formatting

ChronologiesEvents/Dates

EncyclopediaBrief articles/explanations

DictionariesDefinitions

Data books/HandbooksStatistics

Where to Find InformationInformation Desired

Which of the following will help you choose a topic for research?

A. Project Requirements

B. Scope of Project, Paper, or Presentation

C. General Sources

D. All of the above

Sorry, that’s not correct. Please try again!

Great Job!The correct answer is

D. All of the Above

Section 3: Evaluating Information

Why is evaluation important?• Not all information is credible.

• Not all information is appropriate for each project, research paper, or presentation.

Elements to examine to evaluate information:

• Author’s credibility• Publisher’s credibility• Intended audience• Scholarship

• Objectivity• Currency• Overall quality

Author’s Credibility• What are the author’s credentials?

• What are the author’s other works?• Is the author associated with any

institution?

PublishersTypes of publishers:• Commercial• University Presses

• Associations, Societies, Businesses, and Industries

• Government Bodies• Web Publishers

Objectivity• Is the goal or objective of the

publication clearly stated?

• Does the information seem to exhibit a particular bias?

Currency

• When was the information published?• Has the information been updated or

revised?• Does the information update other sources?

Overall Quality

• Is the information accurate and complete?

• Is the information organized in a clear, well-organized manner?

• Are any charts, pictures, tables, or diagrams clearly presented?

In considering an author’s credentials, one should:

A. Try to determine the author’s affiliations.

B. Determine if the author has written anything else on the topic.

C. Only read the most recent publications by the author.

D. Determine whether the author has written on at least three different subjects.

I’m sorry, that’s not correct.Please try again!

Great job! The correct answer is

A. Try to determine the author’s affiliations.

The End