Information Literacy and Student Success

Information literacy is defined as being "able to recognize when information is needed and having the ability to locate, evaluate and use effectively the needed information." It is an essential component of student success and lifelong learning, areas in which libraries and librarians have a unique contribution to make. Libraries are natural laboratories for learning these competencies, and librarians are experienced in teaching students the skills needed for the access and retrieval of information. The concept of information literacy extends beyond the library, necessitating that librarians be effective liaisons on campus to integrate the teaching of these competencies into the curriculum.

Working in partnership with departments and classroom faculty, Kent State University librarians have adopted as their instructional framework core information literacy standards for the provision of instruction relating to accessing, evaluating, and using information and information technology. These standards and their resulting behavioral objectives were developed and adopted by the Association of College and Research Libraries. They have been endorsed by many colleges, universities, the American Association of Higher Education, and several accrediting bodies. For a more thorough introduction to concepts and history of information literacy, go to ACRL's Information Literacy web site .

Association of College and Research Libraries
Five Standards of Information Literacy 

1.) The information literate student determines the nature and extent of the information needed.

2). The information literate student accesses needed information effectively and efficiently.

3.) The information literate student evaluates information and its sources critically and incorporates selected information into his or her knowledge base and value system.

4.) The information literate student, individually or as a member of a group, uses information effectively to accomplish a specific purpose.

5.) The information literate student understands many of the economic, legal, and social issues surrounding the use of information and accesses and uses information ethically and legally.
 
Association of College and Research Libraries Information Literacy Competency Standards for Higher Education