Information Literacy Competencies and Outcomes for the Information Problem-Solving Process

Below are links to two sets of competencies/outcomes that could be incorporated into any Departmental objectives for students majoring in that field.  Each set has a slightly different way of approaching the development of information literacy or information problem solving abilities in our students.  Please contact Brian Hubbard, Interim Library Director (x5233) or Corinne Ebbs, Information Instruction Coordinator (x5464) with any questions.

Outcomes for the Information Problem-Solving Process
Brian Hubbard

Information Literacy Competencies
Corinne Ebbs

Information Literacy Competencies

Included are examples of performance indicators for each competency.  For a more comprehensive list, see:
http://www.lib.wsc.ma.edu/ILIndicators.htm

A student completing the [Department major] will demonstrate the following abilities:

1. Determine the nature and extent of information needed to answer a question related to [Department].
• Identify potential sources of information, both primary and secondary, regardless of format.
• More Performance Indicators


2. Locate, retrieve, and evaluate [Department] information effectively and efficiently.
• Select the most appropriate retrieval system(s) for accessing needed information.
• Compare information from various sources, evaluating reliability, validity, accuracy, authority, timeliness, coverage, and perspective.
• More Performance Indicators


3. Individually or as a member of a group, uses information effectively in a manner that supports a specific purpose such as a paper or presentation in the field of [Department]
• Communicate research clearly and effectively to others, orally, in writing, or through other media.
• More Performance Indicators


4. Understands the economic, legal, and social issues surrounding the use of information access and uses information ethically and legally.
• Selects an appropriate documentation style and uses it consistently.
• More Performance Indicators

For another version, see Outcomes for the Information Problem-Solving Process