"The information literate student evaluates information and its sources critically and incorporates selected information into his or her knowledge base and value system."
Basic Skills
Examines and compares information from various sources in order to evaluate reliability, validity, accuracy, authority, timeliness, and point of view or bias
Recognizes prejudice, deception, or manipulation
Selects information that provides evidence for the topic
Determines probable accuracy by questioning the source of the data, the limitations of the information gathering tools or strategies, and the reasonableness of the conclusions
Reads the text and selects main ideas
Restates textual concepts in his/her own words and selects data accurately
Identifies verbatim material that can be then appropriately quoted
Determines whether information satisfies the research or other information need
Uses consciously selected criteria to determine whether the information contradicts or verifies information used from other sources
Draws conclusions based upon information gathered
Investigates differing viewpoints encountered in the literature
Determines whether to incorporate or reject viewpoints encountered
Participates in classroom and other discussions
Participates in class-sponsored electronic communication forums designed to encourage discourse on the topic (e.g., email, bulletin boards, chat rooms)
Seeks expert opinion through a variety of mechanisms (e.g., interviews, email, listservs)
Determines if original information need has been satisfied or if additional information is needed
Integrates new information with previous information or knowledge
Utilizes computer and other technologies (e.g. spreadsheets, databases, multimedia, and audio or visual equipment) for studying the interaction of ideas and other phenomena
Reviews search strategy and incorporates additional concepts as necessary
Advanced Skills
Recognizes the cultural, physical, or other context within which the information was created and understands the impact of context on interpreting the information
Analyzes the structure and logic of supporting arguments or methods
Recognizes interrelationships among concepts and combines them into potentially useful primary statements with supporting evidence
Extends initial synthesis, when possible, at a higher level of abstraction to construct new hypotheses that may require additional information
Tests theories with discipline-appropriate techniques (e.g., simulators, experiments)
Reviews information retrieval sources used and expands to include others as needed
