Information Literacy for College Students

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1. Information Literacy

2. What is Information Literacy? Information literacy is the ability to recognize when information is needed and to locate, evaluate, and use that information effectively. In other words, it’s about knowing how to find reliable information and how to use it wisely.

3. Library Resources Overview Books and eBooks – Our collection includes physical books, eBooks, and audiobooks. Databases – We have access to numerous academic databases for journal articles, reports, and more. Journals and Magazines – Find current and historical issues for your research. Media Resources – Including films, documentaries, and audio materials.

4. Using the Library Catalog Access the Catalog – You can find it on our library website : Search by Keywords – Use relevant keywords related to your topic to search for books and articles Refine Your Search – Use filters like publication date, author, and format. Check Availability – See if the item is available for checkout or if it’s on hold.

5. Finding Scholarly Articles Choose the Right Database – Different databases focus on various subjects. For example, JSTOR and ProQuest are great for academic articles. Use Advanced Search Options – Narrow down your search by date, subject, or publication type. Evaluate Your Sources – Look for peer-reviewed articles, check the authors’ credentials, and review the publication.

6. Evaluating Information Not all information is created equal. Here are some tips for evaluating sources: Authority – Is the author an expert in the field? Accuracy – Is the information correct and verifiable? Bias – Does the source present information fairly or is it biased? Relevance – Is the information pertinent to your research topic?

7. Citations and Plagiarism Proper citation is crucial in academic work to give credit to original authors and avoid plagiarism. Here’s a quick guide: Citation Styles – Familiarize yourself with styles like APA, MLA, or Chicago. Each has specific formatting rules. Tools – Use citation management tools like Zotero or EndNote to keep track of your sources and generate citations.

8. Library Services and Help We’re here to help you succeed. Our services include: Reference Help – Ask us for help finding or evaluating sources. Research Workshops and Classes – Join our workshops to learn more about research skills. Study Rooms – Reserve a study room for group work or quiet study.

9. Contact Information Here’s how you can reach us: In-Person – Visit us at the reference desk. Online – Chat with us via our website, or email us at [library email]. Phone – Call us at [library phone number].