Questions and formulates task: Can express and explain information need. Understands external expectations and knows appropriate method to express information.

Examples: Student knows what the teacher requires (written report, trifold display, oral report, etc) and understands how to begin the specific type of project.

Activities librarians can do: Be approachable and available to help. Encourage student to explain assignment or information need clearly.

Constructs information seeking strategies: Student identifies the type and amount of information needed. Student can independently search the online catalog. Searching on databases or Internet may require help from a librarian or parent.

Examples: Student performs searches.

Activities librarians can do: Provide access to the catalog and databases. If searches are unsuccessful, offer assistance.

Locates and accesses information: Student selects appropriate materials to meet the information need. Database and Internet searches, if applicable, return some relevant information.

Examples: Student checks out materials in multiple formats to research the topic.

Activities librarians can do: Be sure student and parent have library cards. Follow up to be sure they found materials in their proper locations. Maintain organized collection and accurate catalog. Have materials in the collection that support different learning needs (audio, video, print). Provide paper/pencils.

Evaluates and manages information relative to need: Note taking/summarizing information to determine if there is enough or if more is needed. If more is needed, student knows how to return to searching and find it.

Examples: Student creates an outline of a project, filling in the information, to determine if more is needed.

Activities librarians can do: Provide paper/pencils for outlining and note-taking. Be approachable if student returns for more information. Include books in the collection about the research process.

Synthesizes information: Student analyzes material found to determine whether the information need has been answered. Project is written/built.

Examples: Student writes a report on the assigned topic.

Activities librarians can do: Offer ILL services if more in-depth information is needed.

Applies information responsibly: Student understands plagiarism and basic methods of citation. Student submits work that is original.

Examples: Project is not copied from other sources.

Activities librarians can do: Provide materials in the collection (print and online) about proper methods of citation.

Evaluates process: Final proofreading of project; adjustments are made as needed. Citations are checked for accuracy, and student determines whether the original question was answered.

Examples: Student re-reads report and original assignment.

Activities librarians can do: Assist with the proofreading and citation check as time allows. Encourage student to report back on the final outcome of the project.