Values inquiry and information needs in order to engage in lifelong learning

 

• Recognizes inquiry as central to learning

 

• Understands the value of information as it relates to decision-making

 

• Views self as a questioner and persists in obtaining information that will meet needs

 

Sample activities:

Outcomes:

 

Questions and formulates task:

 

• Formulates own specific question or thesis statement

 

• Chooses the most advantageous investigative method (scientific experiment, literature review, field work)

 

• Constructs, implements and refines effective search strategies (consults most promising information source first, asks experts or librarians for assistance, seeks help screens, reads introductory material, combines features of various tools)

 

Sample activities:

Outcomes:

 

Constructs information seeking strategies:

 

• Creates complex search strategies using Boolean operators, truncation, proximity, etc. capabilities

 

• Systematically uses online catalog, general periodical databases, discipline-specific databases, and search engines' advanced search features

 

• Makes sophisticated use of controlled vocabulary in conjunction with keyword searching

 

• Makes sophisticated use of scholarly books and articles

 

Sample activities:

Outcomes:

 

Locates and accesses information:

 

• Locates items using catalogs, article databases, link resolvers and the internet; finds items at other libraries, applying basic classification principles

 

• Understands journal citations and makes educated guesses when tracking down an incorrect citation

 

• Selects appropriately among sources that vary in content, format, structure and scope (people, agencies, primary vs. secondary sources, specialized encyclopedias, websites)

 

• Develops knowledge of sources central to needs or field (DSM for psychology students, ERIC database for education students, chemistry handbook for chemistry students)

 

• Makes appropriate and timely use of interlibrary loan

 

• Uses bibliographies from retrieved items to locate additional information

 

• Follows links online from one website to another in an intentional, thoughtful way

 

Sample activities:

Outcomes:

 

 

Evaluates and manages information relative to need:

 

• Summarizes information accurately to demonstrate understanding

 

• Continually judges value of search results, adjusts strategies and reapplies as necessary

 

• Develops criteria in order to assess information (authority, currency, validity, comprehensiveness)

 

• Recognizes the contexts within which beliefs and knowledge are presented when considering information use (point of view, bias, deception, and manipulation)

 

• Creates a working bibliography recording where and how sources were located

 

• Systematically applies evaluative criteria to information sources

 

Sample activities:

Outcomes:

 

 

Synthesizes information:

 

• Relates disconnected pieces of information to discover patterns or make generalizations

 

• Integrates information found in multiple sources; arrives at own conclusions; proposes and supports new hypotheses

 

Sample activities:

Outcomes:

 

 

Applies information responsibly:

 

• Articulates social, cultural, historical and economic issues related to information production, dissemination and access (free press, digital divide, freedom of speech, alternative press, censorship, access)

 

• Uses information and media in compliance with copyright laws, respecting intellectual property

 

• Is fully able to integrate quotations, paraphrases and original thought with appropriate attribution

 

• Is familiar with APA or MLA rules

 

Sample activities:

Outcomes:

 

Evaluates process:

 

• Continually cycles through the research process as new ideas arise, refining research techniques and exploring new information resources

 

• Monitors new information and publications in their field of study via listservs, blogs and other varied scholarly media

 

Sample activities:

Outcomes: