Information Literacy

The information literate student: recognizes when information is needed identifies appropriate types of information locates, evaluates and uses information effectively

Library and Web searching skills are very important for success in college and for lifelong learning. Information Literacy is part D, or the fourth part, of the WSU Computer and Information Literacy Requirement.

Students may complete the Information Literacy part of this requirement by registering for and passing one of the four options below:

• Library Science or TBE 1704, The Internet Navigator. One credit hour, this is an online, self paced course offered through through WSU Online
  • Most students select this flexible option.  
• Library Science 2201,  Library Skills, 2 credit hours, this is a traditional course. Fewer sections of this course are available.
• Library Science or BA 2704, Information Resources in the Business Disciplines. One credit hour, this course is designed for Business majors and others with a strong interest in business information. It requires instructor permission for registration.  For approval, click here.
• Information Literacy Exam TBE TD 1504, A half credit hour exam, this is part D. of the WSU Computer and Information Literacy Exam offered through the TBE Department. 
  • Students need to sign up for a time to take the exam in TBE Bldg 2, room 209.
  • Please note: This exam is VERY DIFFERENT from the TBE 1501, 1502 and 1503 exams! Students taking this exam will be tested on most of the skills taught in the Internet Navigator course.  Most students think it is easier to take the Internet Navigator course than to study for the exam. Do not attempt to take this exam unless you are sure you have these skills.
  • Students may study for the Information Literacy exam by reviewing online tutorials and/or the Internet Navigator (1704) online course, and by viewing sample questions. 

Any questions? Information on the CIL requirement or courses is available from:  Carol Hansen Stewart Library Room 139B, 626-6071 Carole Lapine and the Telecommunications and Business Education (TBE) Department, Building 2 (B2) Room 218, 626-7384, or from their Web site at http://programs.weber.edu/cil

Students have achieved "Information Literacy" when they are able to:

• Recognizes the need for information in personal, work and academic settings
• Recognizes the value of information in society at large. Student is aware of the ethical issues, such as information access, copyright and the responsibility to properly credit information sources
• Appreciates that the skills gained in information competence enable lifelong learning
• Recognizes the value of being able to use information effectively

2. Explore information needs

• Ability to define information need
• Ability to concisely articulate and formulate a search question
• Can identify sub topics while researching
• Ability to identify potential and appropriate information providers and resources

3. Understand information structures

• Understands and uses electronic communication
• Understands how library collections, databases and the Internet are organized, indexed and classified 
• Understands and uses library catalogs and article databases
• Understands and uses Web browsers and Internet search engines
• Understands and uses other reference print and electronic resources
• Can identify differences between scholarly and popular information
• Understands library services, particularly the role of the Reference librarian

4. Develop and apply effective search strategies

• Can prioritize sources to organize searches effectively and efficiently
• Uses appropriate thesauri and other tools to identify controlled vocabulary to search for information needed
• Can use broader, narrower and related vocabulary terms effectively
• Understands and uses Boolean logic and truncation
• Can recognize when he/she has sufficient information

5. Locate and retrieve information sources

• Interprets bibliographic citations and Internet equivalents and knows how to obtain cited items
• Uses interlibrary loan, document delivery, or other means to obtain material not available locally
• Understands access and institutional ownership and licensing issues

6. Analyze and critically evaluate information based on standard criteria

• Uses criteria including authority, accuracy, objectivity, currency, coverage, organization, purpose

Last updated 01/09/2003 . Please send comments or suggestions to: Carol Hansen, Instruction  Services Librarian.