Information Literacy

‌‌‌What is information literacy?

Information literacy is "a spectrum of abilities, practices, and habits of mind that extends and deepens learning through engagement with the information ecosystem." (Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education).

How does information literacy help me and my students?

Information literacy is a critical part of lifelong learning, and academic and professional achievement. It can be seen as a set of competencies and ways of thinking that is beyond the scope of a single teacher or class. Current SUNY General Education Requirements only address some of these skills.

Using services and resources listed in other sections of the Faculty Toolbox, you will be able to equip or reinforce some of those skills in your students.

Research shows that when students acquire and improve upon these broad habits of mind and develop expertise in critically and reflectively interacting with information environments,  they tend to write better papers and be more critical and reflective thinkers. This can also result in better retention rates. These students are then better equipped to succeed in the workplace.

Additional Definitions and Discussion

• The Information Literacy Imperative in Higher Education
• ACRL Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education
• Understanding Information Literacy through the Lens of the Student Experience
• 10 Ways to Improve Student Research (Temple Univ)

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