1. Chapter 1
Introduction to
Information
Literacy

2. Chapter Topics
• Information Literacy in the 21st Century
• Components of Information Literacy in the 21st
Century
• Why Is Information Literacy Important?
• Steps in Effective Research
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3. The Big Picture
This chapter lays the foundation for understanding
the many aspects of information literacy. It
provides a context for applying the information
presented in subsequent chapters.
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4. Learning Objectives
• Define information literacy.
• List the specific skills required for an individual
to be an information-literate student or
professional in the 21st century.
• Explain the importance of knowing how to
locate, access, retrieve, evaluate, use, and
effectively communicate information in school
and in the workplace.
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5. Learning Objectives (cont’d)
• Explain the challenges facing an individual who
does not possess information skills in school
and in the workplace.
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6. Case In Point Questions
• How well do you think you could determine the
kind and extent of information you might be
asked to find so you are able to accomplish a
professional task?
• How efficient would you be at finding the
information in a library or on the Internet?
• How would you know that the information that
you find is credible?
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7. Case in Point Questions (cont’d)
• How skilled are you at pulling significant points
from a large body of information and organizing
them into a one- to two- page summary for
review by professionals in your field?
• How effectively could you make a presentation
that would both engage and teach your
colleagues?
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8. Information Literacy in the 21st
Century: An Overview
Information literacy for the 21st century is defined as “the
adoption of appropriate information behavior to identify,
through whatever channel or medium, information well
fitted to information needs, leading to wise and ethical use
of information in society.”
-S. Webber (2010)
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9. Information Literacy in the 21st
Century: An Overview
• Define: Define the need, problem, or question.
• Find: Locate, access, and retrieve the information from a
variety of print, electronic, and human information
sources.
• Evaluate: Evaluate the credibility, currency, reliability,
validity, and appropriateness of the information retrieved.
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10. Information Literacy in the 21st
Century: An Overview
• Organize: Organize the information so that it can be
used to meet the information need, solve the problem, or
answer the question.
• Communicate: Communicate the information legally
and ethically using a variety of channels and to a range
of audiences.
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11. Critical Thinking
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12. Creative Thinking
The process of
• Actively exploring possibilities
• Generating alternatives
• Keeping an open mind toward change
• Combining ideas to create something new
• Viewing old concepts in new ways
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13. Problem Solving
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14. Higher Order Thinking
(Bloom’s Taxonomy)
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15. Effective Communication
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16. Organization
• Understanding and using file management
systems
• Using time management techniques
• Breaking complex tasks into manageable
objectives
• Using graphic organizers
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17. Computer Literacy
• Hardware
• Software
• Internet
• Multimedia
• File Management
• Security
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18. Library Literacy
• Books and periodicals
• Databases and directories
• Catalogs and indexes
• Media resources
• Reference materials
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19. Media Literacy
• Audio resources
• Visual resources
• Graphic resources
• Web-based resources
• Interactive resources
• Other formats
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20. Technology Literacy
• Ability to use basic computer software programs
– Word-processing
– Spreadsheets
– Presentation Tools
– Databases
• Ability to use the Internet
• Ability to use supporting tools
– Search engines
– File management systems
– Etc.
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21. Why is information literacy important?
So what if you lack these skills?
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22. Steps in Effective Research
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23. Chapter Summary
• Information Literacy in the 21st Century
• Components of Information Literacy in the 21st
Century
• Why is Information Literacy Important?
• Steps in Effective Research
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