Library Instruction/Information Literacy
Goals and Proficiencies

Southern Oregon University Hannon Library
Information Literacy Goals and Proficiencies

The following Information Literacy Goals and Proficiencies as outlined here have been accepted and approved as a foundational strand in the Southern Oregon University general education curriculum as articulated in the University Studies--Strands, Goals, and Proficiencies.

Information Literacy

Goal One: Determine the nature and extent of the information needed.

Individuals Will Be Able To:

A. Develop an appropriate research question.
B. Identify key concepts and terms that help locate necessary information.
C. Refine research question to achieve a manageable focus.
D. Locate and evaluate potential resources (e.g., popular vs. scholarly).
E. Differentiate between primary and secondary sources

Goal Two: Access needed information effectively and efficiently.

Individuals Will Be Able To:

A. Differentiate between a keyword and a subject heading or descriptor.
B. Implement a search strategy using various resources to retrieve information in appropriate formats.
C. Use available services to retrieve information needed (e.g., interlibrary loan/ document delivery, reference librarian, subject specialist).
D. Assess the quantity, quality, and relevance of the search results to determine whether alternative additional information is needed.
E. Reformulate the search using a revised strategy as necessary.

Goal Three: Evaluate information and sources, incorporating selected information into their knowledge-base and value system.

Individuals Will Be Able To:

A. Examine and compare information to determine reliability, validity, accuracy, authority, timeliness, and point of view or bias.
B. Recognize prejudice, deception, or manipulation.
C. Determine probable accuracy by questioning sources of data, limitations of the information gathering tools or strategies, and reasonableness of the conclusions.
D. Investigate differing viewpoints in the information.
E. Formulate conclusions based upon information gathered.

Goal Four: Use information effectively to accomplish a specific purpose.

Individuals Will Be Able To:

A. Integrate new and prior information including quotations and paraphrases to support purpose.
B. Manipulate digital text, images, and data, transferring them from original locations and formats to new context.
C. Reflect on successes and failures to develop alternative strategies for additional research.

Goal Five: Access and use information ethically and legally.

Individuals Will Be Able To:

A. Identify plagiarism and misrepresentation of work.
B. Demonstrate an understanding of intellectual property, copyright, and fair use of copyrighted material.
C. Follow accepted and ethical practices in electronic discussions.
D. Use approved passwords and other forms of ID for access to information resources on and off-campus.
E. Use appropriate documentation style consistently to cite sources.

For more information
contact Dale Vidmar at 2-6842.