Information literacy or competency envelopes both a conceptual understanding of the universe of information and a practical understanding of how to locate, manage, use and create information.
The Association of College & Research Libraries recommends a new approach to teaching students information literacy concepts. This approach is built around six frames, each consisting of a concept central to information literacy and anchored in threshold concepts, which are those ideas in any discipline that are essential portals to ways of thinking and practicing in that discipline. Rather than a linear set of skills and search techniques, each frame prompts questions about what learners will need to know, experience, and do to demonstrate their increased understanding as they progress from novice to expert in the scholarly journey and as information literate individuals.
Authority is Constructed and Contextual
Information resources reflect their creators' expertise and credibility, and are evaluated based on the information need and the context in which the information will be used. Authority is constructed in that various communities may recognize different types of authority. It is contextual in that the information need may help to determine the level of authority required.
Information Creation as a Process
Information in any format is produced to convey a message and is shared via a selected delivery method. The iterative processes of researching, creating, revising, and disseminating information vary, and the resulting product reflects these differences.
Information has Value
Information possesses several dimensions of value, including as a commodity, as a means of education, as a means to influence, and as a means of negotiating and understanding the world. Legal and socioeconomic interests influence information production and dissemination.
Research as Inquiry
Research is iterative and depends upon asking increasingly complex or new questions whose answers in turn develop additional questions or lines of inquiry in any field.
Scholarship as Conversation
Communities of scholars, researchers, or professionals engage in sustained discourse with new insights and discoveries occurring over time as a result of varied perspectives and interpretations.
Search as Strategic Exploration
Searching for information is often nonlinear and iterative, requiring the evaluation of a range of information sources and the mental flexibility to pursue alternate avenues as new understanding develops. (1)
References:
(1) The Association of College and Research Libraries (2015). About The Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education. Chicago, IL: The Association of College and Research Libraries. Retrieved July 25, 2017 from http://acrl.ala.org/framework/?page_id=74
Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education
From ACRL (Association of College and Research Libraries)
Iris
Tutorials to help students learn about information and research.
Empower information literacy
Tutorial designed to help students understand what information resources are available both in the library and on the Web.
Acknowledging Sources
University of Arlington at Texas online tutorial and questionnaire on plagiarism
The library’s 3-credit online course, LIB 015-201 - Electronic Research and the Internet - will help you to develop information competencies and skills.