Standard Two

Standard:

The information literate student accesses needed information effectively and efficiently.

Performance Indicators:

1. The information literate student selects the most appropriate investigative
methods or information retrieval systems for accessing the needed information.

Outcomes Include:
  • A. Identifies appropriate investigative methods (e.g., laboratory experiment, simulation, fieldwork)
  • B. Investigates benefits and applicability of various investigative methods
  • C. Investigates the scope, content, and organization of information retrieval systems
  • D. Selects efficient and effective approaches for accessing the information needed from the investigative method or information retrieval system

2. The information literate student constructs and implements effectively-
designed search strategies.

Outcomes Include:
  • A. Develops a research plan appropriate to the investigative method
  • B. Identifies keywords, synonyms and related terms for the information needed
  • C. Selects controlled vocabulary specific to the discipline or information retrieval source
  • D. Constructs a search strategy using appropriate commands for the information retrieval system selected (e.g., Boolean operators, truncation, and proximity for search engines; internal organizers such as indexes for books)
  • E. Implements the search strategy in various information retrieval systems using different user interfaces and search engines, with different command languages, protocols, and search parameters
  • F. Implements the search using investigative protocols appropriate to the discipline

3. The information literate student retrieves information online or in person using
a variety of methods.

Outcomes Include:
  • A. Uses various search systems to retrieve information in a variety of formats
  • B. Uses various classification schemes and other systems (e.g., call number systems or indexes) to locate information resources within the library or to identify specific sites for physical exploration
  • C. Uses specialized online or in person services available at the institution to retrieve information needed (e.g., interlibrary loan/document delivery, professional associations, institutional research offices, community resources, experts and practitioners)
  • D. Uses surveys, letters, interviews, and other forms of inquiry to retrieve primary information

4. The information literate student refines the search strategy if necessary.

Outcomes Include:
  • A. Assesses the quantity, quality, and relevance of the search results to determine whether alternative information retrieval systems or investigative methods should be utilized
  • B. Identifies gaps in the information retrieved and determines if the search strategy should be revised
  • C. Repeats the search using the revised strategy as necessary

5. The information literate student extracts, records, and manages the information and its sources.

Outcomes Include:
  • A. Selects among various technologies the most appropriate one for the task of extracting the needed information (e.g., copy/paste software functions, photocopier, scanner, audio/visual equipment, or exploratory instruments)
  • B. Creates a system for organizing the information
  • C. Differentiates between the types of sources cited and understands the elements and correct syntax of a citation for a wide range of resources
  • D. Records all pertinent citation information for future reference
  • E. Uses various technologies to manage the information selected and organized