1. University of Maryland University College
Information Literacy
Using Library or Internet Resources
Miriam Niblack
University of Maryland University College

2. What is information literacy
What is information literacy? Information literacy is a set of abilities requiring individuals to recognize when information is needed and have the ability to locate, evaluate, and use effectively the needed information (American Library Association, 2014, para. 1).

3. Purpose of Information Literacy Module These modules were created to provide guidance on how faculty can incorporate library resources into their distance learning curricula. Literacy is required for students to adapt to the digital environment that is now required for the pedagogical approach, with use of emerging technologies, of the 21st century (Eyal, 2012).

4. What tutorial has to offer This tutorial will address the concerns of student’s in learning how to search, evaluate, and cite sources. Learning Objectives 1. Recognizing and understanding the need for information. 2. Searching for relevant information. 3. Developing research plans. 4. Locating sources. 5. Evaluating sources. 6. Citing information.

5. 1. Choose a topic to research. Make it specific
1. Choose a topic to research. Make it specific. Narrow your focus to meet the objective of the assignment. Once you start your search for information decide what information to use by : - skim reading to pick out key points - sorting for relevancy - outlining for putting information in order - gathering evidence to support your topic - taking notes -organizing information

6. 2. Searching for relevant sources that are: - peer-reviewed (colleagues review for accuracy and quality assurance) - scholarly (written by experts) - accurate (validity) - tested (data measured and results posted)

7. 3. Develop a research plan
3. Develop a research plan. Knowing what topic and then researching information for the Introduction, Body, and Conclusion of the paper. Thesis statements and topic sentences will direct the papers flow. Search strategies allow you to review relevant information in a more concise manner that is faster. Use of synonyms, quotes, and study fields will provide information related to your topic. Use Boolean operators (AND, OR, NOT)  to get the best search results.

8. 4. Locating information through use of library databases from the following sources: Books – References (digital or printed resource materials) Periodicals – Scholarly (digital or printed magazine articles or journals) Videos and DVDs (available online and for streaming) Interviews (face-to-face, conference call, Skype) Internet/Web Sites (online searches for resources)

9. 5. Evaluating sources that are credible and have validity
5. Evaluating sources that are credible and have validity. According to Old Dominion University ( ), good sources are incorporated with the following qualities: Authority:  Search for resources that are peer-reviewed and written by experts in their field. Accuracy:   Resources and examples should be clearly defined or explained and supported with evidence.  Objectivity:   A source should be factual and free from bias. Currency:  Choose sources that are most recent while limiting older out of date content. Coverage:  Comprehensive resources that provide appropriate coverage of the topic.

10. 6. Citing Sources means to give acknowledgement to others for use of their work. According to Muskegon Community College (2012), the best ways to prepare for ethical use of information is the following: Permission to Use Sources   When to Cite   Copyright versus Fair Use – all written works are protected by copyright (Stanford University, 2014). Fair use allows use of work without prior consent (Stanford University, 2014).   Protected Images – pictures, photos   Personal Communication – s, letters Avoiding Plagiarism    Defining Plagiarism – using someone’s work with giving credit and using it as your own    Why Avoiding Plagiarism is Smart - to avoid expulsion from universities, lawsuits, and failing grades    Defining MLA and APA – established rules for citing sources and doing research papers   Use of MLA and APA to avoid plagiarism      How to Avoid Plagiarism in Writing and Speech    Be Ethical when deciding to use information

11. References American Library Association. (1996-2014)
References American Library Association. ( ). Information literacy competency standards for higher education. Retrieved from Angeli, E., Wagner, J., Lawrick, E., Moore, Paiz, J., Keck, R., K., Anderson, M., Soderlund, L., & Brizee, A. (2013, March 1). General format. Retrieved from Eyal, L. (2012). Digital Assessment Literacy -- the core role of the teacher in a digital environment. Journal of Educational Technology & Society, 15(2), Muskegon Community College Information literacy modules. Retrieved from Muskegon Community College Prepare to use information ethically. Retrieved from Old Dominion University. ( ). Information literacy modules. Retrieved from Stanford University Copyright. Retrieved from basics/ Stanford University Fair use. Retrieved from