Information literacy is the ability to find, evaluate, use, and create information effectively and ethically.
Information literacy is more than simply locating information online. It involves asking good questions, identifying appropriate sources, evaluating evidence, understanding context, and using information responsibly.
Information-literate researchers can:
- Develop and refine research questions
- Identify appropriate sources for a topic
- Evaluate the quality and credibility of information
- Recognize bias, perspective, and context
- Use information ethically and cite sources appropriately
- Contribute their own ideas to scholarly and professional conversations
Why is information literacy important?
Students encounter information from many sources, including books, scholarly articles, websites, social media, news outlets, and artificial intelligence tools. Information literacy helps researchers determine what information is trustworthy, relevant, and appropriate for a specific purpose.
Strong information literacy skills support academic success, informed decision-making, critical thinking, and lifelong learning.
Need help?
Librarians at the Brother Edmond Drouin Library can help you develop research strategies, evaluate sources, locate scholarly information, and strengthen your research skills throughout the research process.
