Information Literacy Course Study Notes

Information Literacy Course Study Notes

Course Overview

  • Course Number: 4.13701

  • Institution: University of Papua New Guinea, Open College

  • Duration: One Semester

  • Coordinator: Tukul Kaiku

  • Authors: Nathan Kwasam, Tukul Kaiku

  • Instructional Designers: Kipli Minol, Violet R. Ningakun, Kipli Joan Minol, Joanne Regau, Gana Wilson

  • Published: UPNG Open College, Waigani Campus, N.C.D. (2011 - 2025)

  • ISBN: 978-9980-84-854-3

Unit Summaries

Unit 1: Information and Literacy

  • Objectives:

  • Define the terms 'Information' and 'Literacy'.

  • Differentiate between data, information, and knowledge.

  • Characterize good vs. poor information.

  • Explain the significance of information and literacy.

  • Key Concepts:

  • Information: Knowledge perceivable through senses; becomes tangible when represented as data.

  • Literacy: Ability to read, write, and use information effectively.

  • Characteristics of Information:

  • Ubiquitous and intangible until formalized.

  • Valuable and expansive when effectively utilized.

Unit 2: Information Literacy

  • Objectives:

  • Explain what Information Literacy entails and its applications.

  • Key Concepts:

  • Recognize the need for information and how to find it.

  • Ethical use of information, critical evaluation of sources.

Unit 3: Information Literacy Standards

  • Key Institutions:

  • US: ACRL (Association of College and Research Libraries)

  • Australia: CAUL (Council of Australian University Librarians)

  • Five key standards include determining information needs, evaluating sources, using information effectively, and ethical usage.

Unit 4: Information Forms and Sources

  • Types of Information:

  • Animate: Information from living sources (humans, animals).

  • Inanimate: Information from non-living sources (rocks, objects).

  • Oral information: Communicated through speech; essential in Papua New Guinea's cultural context.

  • Literature sources: Published material (books, journals, newspapers) and primary data.

Unit 5: Information Professionals

  • Roles:

  • Information managers, librarians, archivists, IT specialists.

  • Their ethical responsibilities: confidentiality, integrity, and access to information.

Unit 6: Information Seeking Models/Strategies

  • Models Discussed:

  • Big6 Model: Steps in problem-solving for information retrieval.

  • Research Cycle Model: Guide for ongoing evaluation of research process.

  • Eclectic Model: Personalized approach to information seeking.

Unit 7: Defining the Information Problem

  • Research Process:

  • Develop research questions.

  • Opt for a focused and manageable topic.

  • Understand and synthesize information.

Unit 8: Locating Information

  • Search Tools:

  • Reference tools (almans, bibliographies, indexes).

  • Understanding the Dewey Decimal Classification System.

  • Primary vs. Secondary Sources: Understanding differences in usage and application.

Unit 9: Selecting and Analyzing Information

  • Critical Evaluation:

  • Assessing the reliability and credibility of sources.

  • Recognizing bias and relevance in information.

Unit 10: Organizing and Synthesizing Information

  • Note Taking Techniques:

  • Use of note cards, notebooks, and research grids to compile valid data.

  • Importance of clear citations to avoid plagiarism.

Unit 11: Evaluating Information

  • Evaluation Criteria:

  • Author credibility, publication date, accuracy, objectivity, and bias.

  • Evaluative Actions: Checking consistency and relevance before finalizing work.

Unit 12: Writing and Presenting Information

  • Essay Structure:

  • Clear, logical flow including introduction, body, and conclusion.

  • Presentation Tips:

  • Using a clear voice, professional tone, and accurate documentation of sources.

Summary of Concepts

  1. Information vs. Data: Information is structured data that is meaningful.

  2. Literacy: Encompasses traditional reading and writing, as well as digital and media literacy.

  3. Ethics in Information: Understanding the importance of citing sources and avoiding plagiarism.

  4. Critical Thinking: Evaluating information critically to determine its relevance and reliability.

  5. Research Strategy: Develop a systematic approach to research using the learned models and frameworks.

Glossary

  • Information Literacy: The ability to identify, locate, evaluate, and effectively use information.

  • Plagiarism: Using someone else's work or ideas without proper attribution.

  • Primary Source: Original materials that provide direct evidence on a topic.

  • Secondary Source: Works that interpret or analyze primary sources.

  • Dewey Decimal System: Classification system used in libraries to organize books based on subject.

Reference Materials

  • Course Readings, Online Databases, Library Resources, Web Articles.

Notes have been taken from a comprehensive study guide on Information Literacy, structured into units focusing on various aspects of information literacy and the skills needed to effectively manage and utilize information in academic and professional contexts.