1. Introduction to Information Literacy
What is Information Literacy?
Information literacy is the ability to find, evaluate, use, and communicate information effectively. It involves critical thinking, problem-solving, and ethical decision-making in the digital age.
Why is it Important?
In a world overflowing with information, being information literate helps you:
- Make informed
- Avoid misinformation and fake
- Save time by finding credible sources
- Use information ethically and
2. The Information Literacy Framework
The 6 Key Pillars of Information Literacy:
- Identify your information
- Search for information
- Evaluate the quality and credibility of
- Organise and manage information
- Use information ethically and
- Communicate information clearly and
3. Step 1: Identifying Information Needs
Defining Your Research Question
- Start with a broad topic and narrow it
- Use the 5 Ws (Who, What, Where, When, Why) to refine your
Understanding Scope and Context
- Consider the purpose of your research (e.g., academic, professional, personal).
- Determine the type of information needed (e.g., scholarly articles, statistics, primary sources).
4. Step 2: Searching for Information
Using Library Databases
- Access your university library’s online databases for peer-reviewed articles, e-books, and more.
- Familiarise yourself with advanced search
Effective Search Strategies
- Use Boolean Operators (AND, OR, NOT) to refine
- Combine keywords and phrases for better
- Apply filters (e.g., date, subject, publication type) to narrow
Exploring Open Access Resources
- Utilise platforms like Google Scholar, PubMed, and DOAJ for free, high-quality
5. Step 3: Evaluating Information
The CRAAP Test
- Currency: Is the information up-to-date?
- Relevance: Does it address your research question?
- Authority: Who is the author, and are they credible?
- Accuracy: Is the information supported by evidence?
- Purpose: Why was the information created?
Identifying Bias and Misinformation
- Check for sensational language, lack of citations, or one-sided
- Cross-reference information with multiple
6. Step 4: Organising and Managing Information
Note-Taking Strategies
- Use tools like Cornell Notes or digital apps (e.g., Evernote, OneNote).
- Summarise key points in your own
Citation Management Tools
- Use tools like Zotero, Mendeley, or EndNote to organise references and generate
7. Step 5: Using Information Ethically
Understanding Plagiarism
- Plagiarism is using someone else’s work without proper Always cite your sources!
Citing Sources
- Learn the citation style required by your institution (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago).
- Use citation generators for
Copyright and Fair Use
- Understand copyright laws and how they apply to your
- Fair use allows limited use of copyrighted material for purposes like education or
8. Step 6: Communicating Information
Structuring Academic Papers
- Follow a clear structure: Introduction, Literature Review, Methodology, Results, Discussion, Conclusion.
Presenting Information Visually
- Use charts, graphs, and infographics to convey data
Sharing Research Responsibly
- Ensure your work is accessible and properly cited when sharing
Final Thoughts
Information literacy is a lifelong skill that will serve you well in academia, your career, and everyday life. Take your time to work through this manual, practice the skills, and don’t hesitate to seek help from your university library or academic support services.
Happy learning!
