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The purpose of this guide is to introduce you to information literacy skills (superpowers) through the use of an existing research assignment so that you will feel more confident and equipped in college research activities.

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Developing Research Skills: Join the Information League!

Librarian SuperheroLibrarian Superhero

College students!  You will develop information literacy superpowers through this guide and each time you conquer another college research assignment.  Don't be afraid to learn more and to hone your superpowers with each opportunity!

According to the Association of College and Research Libraries' ​Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education, "information literacy is the set of integrated abilities encompassing the reflective discovery of information, the understanding of how information is produced and valued, and the use of information in creating new knowledge and participating ethically in communities of learning."  In other words:

Can you find information that is appropriate to increase your knowledge and to create new information, including using information sources correctly and ethically?

 

Information Literacy Superpowers
The purpose of this guide, Developing Research Skills, also known as The Information League, is to introduce you to information literacy skills or superpowers.  Using your existing research assignment, complete each skill area to gain more confidence and effectiveness in your college research tasks.  If you do not have an existing research assignment, the tab labeled "Additional Information" provides a list of hypothetical research questions that you can use as you progress through this tutorial.
Click on the superpower logos to explore each area or click here to get started.


info league - flexible
 


You need flexibility and patience with the cyclical process of research! This superpower gives you persistence and a willingness to go through some trial and error in your process.

info league - curious
 

You need curiosity and the ability to ask great questions!  As a hero of curiosity, you are excited about your topic, comfortable with gaps in your knowledge, and ready to learn.

info league - strategic
 

You need strategic skills to search for information from many places! The power of strategy helps you understand the kind of information needed, where to look, and how to search for those resources.

info league - discerning
 

Discernment to select information that is reliable and authoritative!  When you use your power of discernment, you confidently recognize a good and relevant article, book, or web source.

info league - respectful
 

You need to show respect for authors and institutions by using information correctly and ethically!  You are an Information League hero when you incorporate your ideas and words with expert information and give proper credit to those experts.

 

 

 

Why is Information Literacy Important?

Works Cited

ACRL. Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education, ACRL, 11 Jan. 2016. http://www.ala.org/acrl/standards/ilframework.