GENERAL EDUCATION OUTCOMES FOR INFORMATION LITERACY
Approved November, 2016
OUTCOME 1: RESEARCH AS AN EXPLORATORY PROCESS
Using tools and techniques to address information needs while understanding that the research process is often iterative and nonlinear.
Measurable Learning Indicators:
Indicator 1.1 Understand information needs and formulate focused research questions or thesis statements based on scope of the project
Indicator 1.2 Use and refine different search techniques appropriately, matching information needs and search strategies to appropriate search tools
Indicator 1.3 Understand that the research process is often iterative and non-linear
OUTCOME 2: SCHOLARSHIP AS COMMUNICATION
Scholarly communication is a conversation between creators of information with a variety of backgrounds and perspectives.
Measurable Learning Indicators:
Indicator 2.1 Identify and describe various resource types and formats, recognizing their value and contribution to scholarly communication
Indicator 2.2 Recognize that a given scholarly work may not represent the only or even the majority perspective on an issue
Indicator 2.3 Recognize the value of information literacy outside the academic setting
OUTCOME 3: CRITICALLY EVALUATE INFORMATION
It is important to evaluate the quality of all information based on its context.
Measurable Learning Indicators:
Indicator 3.1 Define different types of authority, such as subject expertise or special experience, and use research tools and indicators to evaluate the credibility of authors and sources
Indicator 3.2 Recognize that authoritative content may be packaged formally or informally and may include sources of all media types, and that information may be perceived differently based on the format in which it is packaged, but all sources should be critically evaluated
OUTCOME 4: ETHICAL USE OF INFORMATION
Legal and ethical standards are important to the dissemination, retention, and study of information sources.
Measurable Learning Indicators:
Indicator 4.1 Avoid plagiarism by identifying the different types and by giving credit to the original ideas of others through proper attribution and citation
Indicator 4.2 Articulate the purpose and characteristics of ethical and legal issues surrounding the use of information, such as copyright, fair use, open access, Creative Commons, and the public domain