Learning Objectives

• Understand the meaning of information literacy.

What Is Information Literacy?

According to Common Sense Education, information literacy "includes the ability to identify, find, evaluate, and use information effectively. From effective search strategies to evaluation techniques, students learn how to evaluate the quality, credibility, and validity of websites [and other resources], and give proper credit."

Librarians guide students through the following information literacy skills: 

• Identifying types of information
• Finding information in the library and online
• Evaluating the quality, credibility, and validity of information
• Giving credit to the author of the information

Identifying Types of Information

We live in an information-rich world and information can be found everywhere and in many different formats and genres. Books, encyclopedias, magazines, newspapers, primary sources, websites, databases, and social media are just some of the places where information is found. Students need to understand what type of information comes from these different sources and how to accurately pick the right source for the information they need. 

Finding Information

Once information sources are identified and understood, the correct source must be used to find the information needed.

For example, a teacher may have assigned students to research a country. Where would the best place be for students to find information on their assigned country? Students could search the online catalog to find what books are in the library. They could also use online databases to see what magazine, newspaper, and encyclopedia articles can be found on their country. Using INFOhio's ISearch database is a great place to start.

ISearch lets you search nearly all INFOhio resources from a single search box to find needed information.

ISearch can be integrated into classroom instruction and used in many ways for your curriculum needs. Use ISearch for:

• The starting point for all types of research for students in grades 3-12.
• Comparing the information from different types of sources.
• Finding materials from your school library.
• Finding articles from encyclopedias, magazines, scholarly journals, and newspapers at a variety of reading levels along with reports, primary sources, eBooks, and videos.
• Finding peer-reviewed academic resources that are not freely available on the internet.

Parts of ISearch

1. In the example below, a search for the country of Iraq was completed. In ISearch, information resources are sorted by tab.
2. If your library automates with INFOhio, the first tab will be books, eBooks, and videos found on that topic in your library. If your library doesn't automate with INFOhio, the first tab will share eBooks and Videos that INFOhio has available within our licensed resources.
3. The second tab is Encyclopedias where users can find encyclopedia articles on Iraq.
4. The third and fourth tabs will provide newspaper and magazine articles on the country of Iraq. 

To learn more about ISearch and how to use it with your students, check out the ISearch for Librarians class. 

Evaluating Information

In addition to understanding sources and where to find information, students need to decide if the information is accurate and valid. One popular acronym that can be used to check for accuracy and validity is E.S.C.A.P.E. Sign up on the E.S.C.A.P.E. site and download posters and bookmarks to share this evaluation process. 

E - Evidence: Do the facts hold up? 

S - Source: Who is the author? And can I trust them?

C - Context: What's the big picture? Does it make sense with other information?

A - Audience: Who is the intended audience? 

P - Purpose: Why was this made? Is it factual? Or persuasive?

E - Execution: How is the information presented? Does it look professional?

Another option to evaluate information is to use Kathy Schrock's 5 W's of Website Evaluation. Schrock's website has additional information about critically evaluating information and also has bookmarks that can be downloaded and shared with students. 

Giving Credit 

When information is used, credit must be given to the author or creator of the information. It is important to give credit because it is not only a sign of respect to the original creator, but it also provides readers access to the information if they want to learn more about the topic. To learn more about citations, Citation Facts for Kids on Kiddle.com provides a good overview and explanation on why giving credit is important. 

Reflecting on Your Learning

1. What digital databases and resources do students have access to in your school or district? Make yourself aware of the resources your school and district subscribe to.
2. Which evaluation tool do you think would work better for your students, ESCAPE or the 5 W's of Website Evaluation? Why? Post your answer in the Discussions tab of the INFOhio School Library Basics group on Open Space. Look for the Evaluation Tool post.
3. Use ISearch and practice searching for topics students or staff have asked for materials to support. What types of results are available in each tab?