This document provides information about developing information literacy skills. It discusses what information literacy is, the purpose of research, where to find information, how to evaluate sources critically, and how to avoid plagiarism. The key points are that information literacy involves knowing when and how to find information and evaluate it ethically. Research has purposes like learning more on a topic and demonstrating knowledge. Information can be found in various sources beyond just the internet, and sources need to be evaluated carefully for reliability and objectivity. Plagiarism should be avoided by properly citing all sources.

1. Information Literacy Skills

2. Learning Outcomes
By the end of this session you should be able to:
 Develop the research skills you already have
 Increase your understanding of where you can find
information
 Be able to assess the quality of the information you find

3. What are Information Literacy Skills?
“Information literacy is knowing when and why you need
information, where to find it, and how to evaluate, use and
communicate it in an ethical manner”
(CILIP, 2012)

4. What is the purpose of research?
Develop essential life
and employability
skills
To learn more about
your subject from
what others have
written
To demonstrate you
have studied the topic in
depth
Why We
Research!
The creation and
support of objective
arguments
To see the “full
picture” related to the
topic
To give evidence of
theories

5. Where can you find information?
The Internet (Google) is not the only way to research!
 Books and ebooks
 Newspapers (online)
 Magazines and Journals
 TV and Radio Documentaries
 Your tutor / Class Handouts

6. Make use of college learning
systems and resources

7. Beware of Google and Wikipedia
 Robbie Williams eats domestic pets(hamsters)
in pubs for money (2006).
 David Beckham was a Chinese goalkeeper in
the 18th century (2006).
 Miley Cyrus was killed in a car crash (2008).
 Tony Blair worships Hitler (2006).
 Vernon Kay killed by a yacht in Greece (2008).
 Alan Titchmarsh published a new version of
the Kama Sutra (2008)
 Borat is the president of Kazakhstan (2007).

8. Activity 1 - True or False?

9. True or False?

10. True or False?

11. Critically assess what you have found!
 Who put the information there (who owns the site)?
 Why did they create the site?
 What is the level of the information?
 Where is there information from (is it UK based)?
 When was the site last updated?
 How does it compare to other sources of information on the topic?
Check the:
 ‘URL’ address (.co, .com, .ac, .org, .gov)
 The ‘About Us’ and ‘Contact Us’ section

12. Activity 2
 Critically assess the following website on Martin Luther
King, Jr.
Link

13. Avoid Plagiarism!
Plagiarism is taking the words, theories, creations or ideas of
another person and passing them off as your own.
It can be deliberate or unintentional. You must ensure you
reference ALL material that comes from another source.
Plagiarism is a serious issue that can result in failing an
assignment or even failing the year.
All forms of plagiarism will be taken seriously - deliberate or not!

14. How to make the most of
search engines?
Country Specific
 You can limit your search to the UK by searching your subject: Example
‘Human Rights: UK’ or ‘Health and Safety: UK’
General Searches
 Try to think of different ways to find the same thing by altering the wording
or terminology. Example: ‘technology and social change’ or ‘impact of
technology on society.
Quotation Marks, Question Marks & Dates
 Try using “ “, ? or a specific date to help narrow down your search. Example:
“Southampton City College

15. Activity
 Given what you’ve just been told, can you evaluate
whether this information is reliable, objective and
valid?
Research Skills Activity

16. Things to remember when researching
1.
Make sure you understand what is required from you
2. Use a range of sources to ensure you get the full picture and an in
depth understanding of your topic.
3.
As you go along ask yourself
1.
Does this answer the question?
2.
Is this source reliable?
3.
Do I have a balance of opinions?
4. Make sure you keep a note (in full) of each resource you have looked
at and used for your bibliography.