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Information Literacy

Fairminded critical thinkers determine information needed, establish a precise scope of research, and evaluate information and sources critically, They understand the legal and moral ramifications of violating intellectual property laws; therefore, they a

Research is a Conversation - OkStateLibrary

It's All About The Questions - OkStateLibrary

Research is an Iterative Process - ALA

"Research is iterative and depends upon asking increasingly complex or new questions whose answers in turn develop additional questions or lines on inquiry in any field"

"Experts see inquiry as a process that focuses on problems or questions in a discipline or between disciplines that are open or unresolved. Experts recognize the collaborative effort within a discipline to extend the knowledge in that field. Many times, this process includes points of disagreement where debate and dialogue work to deepen the conversations around knowledge. This process of inquiry extends beyond the academic world to the community at large, and the process of inquiry may focus upon personal, professional, or societal needs"

"Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education", American Library Association, February 9, 2015. http://www.ala.org/acrl/standards/ilframework (Accessed September 25, 2019).

Research as Inquiry - ACRL Framework for Information Literacy: Research as Inquiry Created by Elena Rodriguez, MLIS

Knowledge Practices of Research Inquirers - ALA

Learners who are developing their information literate abilities:

  • formulate questions for research based on information gaps or on reexamination of existing, possibly conflicting, information;

  • determine an appropriate scope of investigation;

  • deal with complex research by breaking complex questions into simple ones, limiting the scope of investigations;

  • use various research methods, based on need, circumstance, and type of inquiry;

  • monitor gathered information and assess for gaps or weaknesses;

  • organize information in meaningful ways;

  • synthesize ideas gathered from multiple sources;

  • draw reasonable conclusions based on the analysis and interpretation of information

Important Considerations for Research Inquirers - ALA

Learners who are developing their information literate abilities:

  • consider research as open-ended exploration and engagement with information;

  • appreciate that a question may appear to be simple but still disruptive and important to research;

  • value intellectual curiosity in developing questions and learning new investigative methods;

  • maintain an open mind and a critical stance;

  • value persistence, adaptability, and flexibility and recognize that ambiguity can benefit the research process;

  • seek multiple perspectives during information gathering and assessment;

  • seek appropriate help when needed;

  • follow ethical and legal guidelines in gathering and using information;

  • demonstrate intellectual humility (i.e., recognize their own intellectual or experiential limitations).