Information Literacy

CSTL | Technology Serving Learning Institute - Summer 2009
Matthew Olsen, Kent Library (molsen at semo.edu)
May 27, 2009

Introduction

This page is in support of the presentation "Drinking from a Fire Hose: Information Literacy in the Internet Age." I have tried to provide a mix of resources on information literacy and its application, as well as a few broader statements on its possibilities and limitations. I have also included links to research on the wider information environment.

"Information literacy is a survival skill in the Information Age. Instead of drowning in the abundance of information that floods their lives, information literate people know how to find, evaluate, and use information effectively to solve a particular problem or make a decision—whether the information they select comes from a computer, a book, a government agency, a film, or any number of other possible resources." – ALA Presidential Committee on Information Literacy: Final Report

Online Resources

• PowerPoint from presentation
• American Library Association Presidential Committee on Information Literacy: Final Report – Key document on information literacy from the ALA.
• Association of College & Research Libraries Information Literacy Competency Standards for Higher Education – Standards, performance indicators, and outcomes for information literacy in higher education.
• Information Literacy Resources – A collection of resources compiled by Kent Library.
• Information Literacy as a Liberal Art – Fascinating take on why information literacy should be seen as a new educational goal.
• Information Search Process – Important insights into the way students search for information from Carol Kuhlthau, a key figure in the information literacy field.
• Seven Faces of Information Literacy in Higher Education – Another approach to defining information literacy from Christine Bruce.
• The ECAR Study of Undergraduate Students and Information Technology, 2008 – Fascinating study of undergraduates and technology from the Educause Center for Applied Research.
• How Much Information? 2003 – Excellent study on information from UC Berkeley's School of Information Management and Systems. An updated report is currently underway at UC San Diego.

Other Resources

• Robinson, T. (2006). Information Literacy: Adapting to the Media Age. Alki, 22(1), 10-12. – Very accessible explanation of the development and value of information literacy.
• Breivik, P. (2005, March). 21st Century Learning and Information Literacy. Change, 37(2), 20-27. – Overview of the development and place of information literacy in higher education.
• Grassian, E. (2004, May). Do They Really Do That?. Change, 36(3), 22-27. – Explains the various ways that librarians can assist other faculty in teaching information literacy.
• Harmon, J. (2007, Winter). Let Them Use the Internet. College Teaching, 55(1), 2-4. – Argues that faculty should allow students to use the internet for assignments so that they can learn to use the open web responsibly.
• Ward, D. (2006, July). Revisioning Information Literacy for Lifelong Meaning. Journal of Academic Librarianship, 32(4), 396-402. – Insightful and inspiring article that ties information literacy to the development of a rich inner life.
• Wilder, S. (2005, January 7). Information Literacy Makes All the Wrong Assumptions. Chronicle of Higher Education, 51(18), B13-B13. – Criticizes current approaches to information literacy and argues for librarians to place a greater emphasis on making technology easier to use.

Matthew Olsen | last modified 5.27.2009