Information literacy

What is information literacy?

"Information literacy is knowing when and why you need information, where to find it, and how to evaluate, use and communicate it in an ethical manner." Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals

Library Services work with module teams to provide opportunities for students to develop their information literacy skills within modules. Students and staff can also make use of the support materials on the Library website to develop their skills.

Information literacy for module teams and tutors

We provide a clear vision for the integration of information literacy into the curriculum, enabling students to become confident and independent learners and the OU’s learning and teaching strategy to be delivered.

Integrating information literacy into the curriculum is a booklet written by OU Library Services to show how information literacy can be successfully built into programmes of study and how Library Services can help you to achieve this. Printed copies are available on request from Library-Information-Literacy@open.ac.uk

The Information Literacy Levels Framework offers detailed guidance on the information skills learning outcomes to include at each level of study.

The Information literacy toolkit supports tutors seeking to teach information literacy skills to their students.

For more information on integrating information literacy into modules, visit the Library Services Module Support intranet site or talk to your Library contact.

Information literacy support materials

The following materials are available to support the development of skills in finding, evaluating, using and managing information:

• Help and Support pages on the Library website provide a selection of user guides.
• Info-Rate is an online tool designed to help you review and develop your information skills. It consists of four short questionnaires, each covering a different aspect of information literacy. Info-Rate provides feedback and points you to learning materials which will help you to develop your skills further.
• Safari is an online tutorial which provides a guided expedition through the information world. You can test your progress with activities throughout the tutorial.
• iKnow activities help you save time in finding, using and organising information at work.
• Information skills for researchers is a website specifically designed for postgraduate researchers (Masters, EdD or PhD).