Information literacy is now one of the "Basic Competency Requirements" for graduation from Skyline College with an AA or AS degree for students with catalog rights beginning Fall 2011.

What is Information Literacy?

Information literacy is the ability to find, evaluate, organize, use, and communicate information in all its various formats, most notably in situations requiring decision making, problem solving, or the acquisition of knowledge.  It is a combination of research skills, critical thinking skills, computer technology skills, and communication skills. Information literacy is essential for academic success, effective functioning in the workplace, and participation in society as knowledgeable citizens.

Students using Group Tables at the library

Information Literacy Outcomes

The goals of this requirement are to help you become a more sophisticated, discerning, and confident researcher, and to lay the foundation for independent lifelong learning. Upon successful completion of the information literacy requirement, you will be able to:

    • RESEARCH STRATEGIES: Apply effective research strategies, including formulating and defining the scope of the research question, determining key concepts, and identifying relevant sources.
    • INFORMED CHOICES: Make informed choices about credible and relevant information types and/or sources (journal, newspaper, magazine, interviews, media, etc.).
    • EVALUATION: Critically evaluate content for credibility, accuracy, and relevance.
    • DIVERSE VIEWS: Proactively engage with diverse ideas, marginalized voices and/or world views while recognizing that information sources can be influenced by authority that is reinforced by existing power structures.
    • ETHICAL AND LEGAL USE: Use verbal and/or nonverbal media ethically and legally by appropriately citing and following copyright guidelines.
    • SCHOLARLY IDENTITY: Develop and demonstrate scholarly identity by generating meaning rather than merely consuming and restating information.