Information literacy for students

What is information literacy?

• Do you know which information to trust?
• Do you know how to find information for your assignment?

Information literacy is about developing your skills in finding, evaluating, using and managing information. You may come across information literacy activities in your module materials. Library Services offers a programme of live online training sessions to all OU students and staff. You will also find materials to support you on the Library’s help pages.

Our aim in OU Library Services is to help you study successfully and to develop skills valued by employers. Skills include:

• Finding information online quickly
• Making judgements about the validity of information sources
• Selecting appropriate material or evidence to support decision making
• Being able to research effectively
• Keeping up-to-date with developments in your field.

To assess your current skills level, use Info-Rate. 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.

To develop your information skills, use Safari. Safari is an online tutorial which provides a guided expedition through the information world. It aims to help you feel more confident about finding, evaluating, and using information. You can test your progress with activities throughout the tutorial.

To review or revise key topics, use mobile Safari. mobile Safari allows you to learn on the move via your mobile phone or portable device.

To develop information skills for the workplace, use iKnow. iKnow activities help you save time in finding, using and organizing information at work.

To develop your information skills at postgraduate level, use Information skills for researchers. Information skills for researchers is a website specifically designed for postgraduate researchers, that is, students completing their Masters, EdD or PhD qualifications.