Information Literacy

William Paterson librarians are actively involved in promoting critical evaluation and analysis of information.  In an effort to address information literacy skills on campus, the User Education team has prepared learning objectives to guide our planning and instruction. The User Education Learning Objectives are just the beginning stages of a campus-wide discussion of this critical higher education issue. For our discussion purposes, we have adopted the definition of information literacy from the the Association for College and Research Libraries (ACRL).

From the ACRL Information Literacy Competency Standards for Higher Education. Approved January 18, 2000. Chicago, IL: ACRL.

"Information literacy forms the basis for lifelong learning. It is common to all disciplines, to all learning environments, and to all levels of education. It enables learners to master content and extend their investigations, become more self-directed, and assume greater control over their own learning. An information literate student:

  • Determines the nature and extent of information needed.
  • Accesses needed information effectively and efficiently.
  • Evaluates information and its sources critically and incorporates selected information into his or her knowledge base and value system.
  • Individually or as a member of a group, uses information effectively to accomplish a specific purpose.
  • Understands many of the economic, legal, and social issues surrounding the use of information and accesses and uses information ethically and legally."

 

Library Resources for Planning Assignments: