Understanding the Veracity of Information

Similar to Information Access, veracity of information lies at the heart of our information literacy instructional and reference program, which is fundamentally focused on providing students with the ability to become self-sufficient purveyors of the complex information landscape.  To that aim we are continually improving our instructional profile by adding new technology and modes of discovery to our services, such as the Scavenger Hunt exercise for Freshman.  The guiding principles of our Information Literacy program derive from, the nine standards for student success adapted from the Association of College and Reseach Libraries:

• Information literacy involves the ability to identify, retrieve, organize, evaluate, and use a wide range of print, graphic, and electronic resources for independent learning and practical problem solving.

• The information literate student should be able to:

1. Recognize and articulate the need for information.
2. Access information from appropriate sources.
3. Critically analyze and evaluate information and its sources.
4. Organize, synthesize, and integrate information.
5. Apply information to the development of a specific purpose using effective and creative decision-making.
6. Generate and effectively communicate information and knowledge.
7. Develop skills in using information technologies.
8. Understand and respect the ethical, legal, and sociopolitical aspects of information and its technology.
9. Develop an appreciation for the role of information literacy in fostering lifelong learning.

It should be noted, that Information Literacy also encompasses the multiple literacies of oral, visual, technological and media-related which have informed the Library's increasing focus on technology fluency though workshops and programs.  Data on our Information Literacy sessions are attached in this section.