Information Literacy programs and tutorials: About Information Literacy
What is Information Literacy?
Information Literacy (IL) is an intellectual framework for recognising the need for understanding, finding, evaluating, and using information. These are
activities which may be supported in part by fluency with information technology, in part by sound investigative methods, but most importantly through
critical discernment and reasoning. Information literacy initiates, sustains, and extends lifelong learning through abilities that may use technologies
but are ultimately independent of them.
An information literate person will be able to:
- recognise a need for information
- determine the extent of information needed
- access information efficiently
- critically evaluate information and its sources
- classify, store, manipulate and redraft information collected or generated
- incorporate selected information into their knowledge base
- use information effectively to learn, create new knowledge, solve problems and make decisions*
Why is Information Literacy important at the University of Ballarat?
Information Literacy is a key competency for lifelong learning and one of the graduate skills recognised by the university in its UB 2020 VISION
Goals:
Goal One: Our Graduates
Foster in our students knowledge and skills that enable them to stand-out as capable, continuous learners, self-reliant and engaged (good citizens);
they will be work-ready and adaptable, and able to relate effectively and ethically in work and community situations. They will be entrepreneurial in
their approach to innovation and development within their business or workplace, and their communities. Having been stimulated and satisfied by their
learning experience at UB, they will continue learning, formally and informally.**
Aims of the UB Library Information Literacy program
Our aim is to support staff and students of the University of Ballarat to become lifelong learners through an ability to:
- identify appropriate information sources
- critically analyse information
- research effectively
- manage information
- use information to extend and communicate their knowledge across subject fields
Our aim will be achieved through a four strand approach:
- Library Skills and Information Technology classes for commencing students
- Resource "springboards" - resource web based pathfinders tailored to core first year subjects
- Course integrated InfoSkills classes
- Postgraduate Researcher program
For more information about Information Literacy at the University of Ballarat Library, please contact:
References:
*Australia & New Zealand Information Literacy Framework, 2004, p3-4
*ALIA Statement on information literacy for all Australians
**UB 2020 Vision
**UB Teaching and Learning Plan 2005-2010
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