What is Information
Literacy?
And why does it matter?

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.\"
--ACRL

Recognize Information Need
1. What exactly do you need to
know?
2. Why do you need to know it?
The answers to these questions will
guide your search!

Locating Information
• Determine the best search tools
• Develop good search strategies
• Don’t be afraid to ask for help!

Evaluating Information
• Is the source reliable?
• Is the information accurate and up-
to-date?
• Always ask questions of any source!

Using Information
• Use information to support
thesis and conclusions
• Present clearly and effectively
• Cite properly

The Information Literate
Person
Information literate people find
and use information competently
and ethically.
Information literacy is a valuable
lifelong skill!

IL at Springfield College
IL is a general education competency.
Skills embedded across curriculum.
Babson Library provides instruction
and support for all information
literacy efforts on campus.

Babson Library can help!
Information Desk: Call us at (413)
748-3315 or toll-free at 1-800-730-
5279.
Email/call either your department’s
library liaison or Chris Bigelow for
more information!

http://spfldcol.libguides.com/
infolit