What is information literacy?

We encounter a tremendous amount of information during research, study, and in our daily lives. Information literacy (IL) is a set of crucial skills that include the capabilities of finding relevant and credible information in the complex, ever-changing information environment and creating and using information in an ethical way. This information may be utilized as evidence in a research paper, to solve a problem, or to make a decision. Underlying these skills are critical thinking skills necessary for evaluation and decision making in the increasingly complex information environment. IL skills equip individuals to effectively participate in this environment.

The Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) defines information literacy as “the set of integrated abilities encompassing the reflective discovery of information, the understanding of how information is produced and valued, and the use of information in creating new knowledge and participating ethically in communities of learning.” (Association of College and Research Libraries, Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education).

 

Information literacy teaching and learning @ NTU Library

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NTU Library foster information literacy skills in different ways. Some of these ways are through fully interactive IL course through eLearning for undergraduates, face-to-face workshops for postgraduates, open workshops for different groups in the NTU community and online learning materials such as subject guides.

 

 

Information & Media Literacy (IML) for Undergraduates – eLearning on NTULearn

The Information & Media Literacy (IML) eLearning course is a fully interactive online programme, complete with video, sound and animation. The course is delivered through 8 bite-sized units (15 minutes each) where first-year undergraduates will learn information and media literacy skills in an engaging and self-paced manner. The knowledge and skills gained will help students approach assignments with more confidence, efficiency and effectiveness. It will also ensure students are equipped with life-long skills for discovering and discerning information. In the IML course, students will learn to:

      • Identify information types
      • Discover databases
      • Use search strategies
      • Understand copyright
      • Evaluate the quality of information
      • Spot misinformation

 

Starting AY2018/19, all first-year undergraduates will be pre-enrolled in IML, which is accessible through NTULearn. Students are encouraged to complete the course and pass the 10-question assessment in their first year of study at NTU.

Students who are not first-year undergraduates (and therefore not pre-enrolled) can opt in to the course by writing to ELT@ntu.edu.sg.

 

Information Literacy for Postgraduate Research Students

Please visit the Scholarly Communication & Impact Seminars page for more information.

Questions? Contact us for more information.