Concise Guide to Information Literacy

by Scott Lanning

The American Library Association defines "information literacy" as "a set of abilities requiring individuals to recognize when information is needed and have the ability to locate, evaluate, and use effectively the needed information." The Concise Guide to Information Literacy gives students the tools they need to develop those abilities, including the search techniques and evaluation methods that will help them pinpoint what actually is academically sound information.--Using the Association of College and Research Libraries' Information Literacy Competency Standards for Higher Education as a framework, this much-needed sourcebook covers all the major facets of the information literacy process. For students, it is a ready-to-use guide that explains what information literacy is, why it is so important, and how to put it to use in both print and online research. For teachers, it is a helpful classroom resource that can serve as the basis for an information literacy course, a supplemental text, or a handy reference for research in any subject.

Genres: Nonfiction

Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2012

Reviews

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the book my institution chose for its library instruction course after rejecting Mary George’s The Elements of Library Research: What Every Student Needs to Know as “too theoretical.” It is quite short, easy for students to read, and includes homework assignments and suggested exercises in each chapter. Nevertheless, it may be lacking in the very theory that George emphasizes. Students will learn what to do, but they may not have as deep an appreciation of why as they would have with George. Goes to show that there’s no perfect textbook.

[Lisa Nocita · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very simplistic and a bit insulting to librarians.

"You may feel intimidated or a little embarrassed to approach the librarian. They might look busy, frazzled, old, confused, or mean. It is normal to have reservations. In fact, there is a term for it: library anxiety." (p. 57). Seriously? We "look" busy? How about we ARE but we are only too happy to help! Frazzled? OLD? CONFUSED? MEAN? This author needs to check out 21st century librarianship!

Might be good for college freshman.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this for a class and I found this very useful as someone going back to school after a long time out of school. It has been a long time since I have had to do in depth research and this book will be a very helpful tool moving forward with a master's degree.

[Janet]

A comprehensive look at the research process from start to finish (more than just info lit, in my opinion). I think it’s perhaps a bit much for its audience of high school students or early undergrads, but could be used in sections.

[Suzaii13 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Masters course required reading. The course is taught by a librarian. Good to learn the basics, but so dull. I will keep it through my studies, but seems better suited for undergraduate courses.