The document outlines the Big6 approach to solving information problems in 6 steps: 1) Define the task, 2) Identify information sources, 3) Locate sources, 4) Extract relevant information, 5) Organize and synthesize information to create a product, and 6) Evaluate the product and the process. It provides an example of a family using these steps to research and choose what kind of dog to adopt by gathering information from various sources, synthesizing their findings, and selecting a pug.

1. The Big6 SkillsThe Big6 Skills
A Problem-Solving Approach
to
Information Skills Instruction
as developed by
Michael B. Eisenberg and Robert E. Berkowitz
The Big6(tm) is copyright (c) (1987) Michael B. Eisenberg and Robert
E. Berkowitz. www.big6.com

2. How Much is That Doggy in theHow Much is That Doggy in the
Window?Window?
Presentation created by
Nell Ududec
Bairdmore School
January 2003
Using the Big6 Skills

3. The Big Six:The Big Six:
is a stage approach to information
problem-solving
may be research needed for a school
assignment or information needed in
your personal life
it has six broad skill areas necessary for
successful information problem-solving

4. Using the Big6Using the Big6
The Challenge:
A family is looking for a new pet. They
have decided on a dog, but what kind of
dog should they get?
They will be following the steps outlined
in the Big6 to make their choice.

5. 1. Task Definition1. Task Definition
Family asks:
“What do we need to do?”
Define the information problem.
Identify the information needed
to solve the problem.

6. 2. Information2. Information
Seeking StrategiesSeeking Strategies
Family asks:
“What can we use to find what
we need?”
Brainstorm all possible
sources.
Select the best sources.

7. 3. Location and3. Location and
AccessAccess
Family asks:
“Where can we find
what we need?”
Locate sources.
Find information
within sources.

8. 4. Use of4. Use of
InformationInformation
Family asks:
“What information can I use?”
Engage (read, hear, view or
touch).
Take out needed information.

9. 5. Synthesis5. Synthesis
Family asks:
“How can we put our information
together?”
Organize information from all
sources.
Make a decision. (Create a product or performance.)

10. The Product - Our ChoiceThe Product - Our Choice
Gentle
Friendly
Good with
kids
Short
haired
Quiet
Cat sized
Intelligent
Long lived
Easily
trained
CUTE!!!
The
Pug

11. 6. Evaluation6. Evaluation
Family asks:
“How will we know if we did well?”
Judge the product (are we happy
with our new pet?).
Judge the process (efficiency).

12. To sum up...To sum up...
Information literate people are
those who have learned how to
learn. They are prepared for life
long learning because they can
always find the information needed
for any task or decision at hand.