The Long Room of the Old Library at Trinity College Dublin, part of the University of Dublin in Ireland, was built between 1712 and 1732 and houses 200,000 of the university’s oldest books. “Trinity Library” by Jason Burns is licensed under CC BY 2.0
Introduction: What is Information Literacy?
"Information literacy empowers people in all walks of life to seek, evaluate, use and create information effectively to achieve their personal, social, occupational and educational goals. It is a basic human right in a digital world and promotes social inclusion in all nations." --- Alexandria Proclamation on Information Literacy and Lifelong Learning30
How many times in a day do you seek answers to questions? How do you know what information you need? Where do you go to find it? How do you determine if the information meets your needs? The American Library Association defines information literacy as "a set of abilities requiring individuals to recognize when information is needed and have the ability to locate, evaluate, and use effectively the needed information"31. Information literacy requires critical thinking, decision-making and problem solving. Information literacy not only is essential for your success as a student but also is a fundamental part of participating in society as an informed individual. With ever-expanding access to information and the increasing problem of misinformation, the ability to locate, evaluate and communicate information effectively is a vital skill. In order to become lifelong learners, we need to be able to determine when we need information and to discern truth from falsehood.
9.1 Your Library at HACC
When you imagine a library, what sorts of images come to mind? Books? Quiet? Studying? While all those elements are available at the HACC libraries, there are many additional resources to assist you in college. HACC’s libraries are part of a Learning Commons, a central place where you can access a number of simultaneous services. In the HACC Learning Commons, you can obtain research help, tutoring, testing services and technology support. There are places where you can collaborate with classmates and work as a group, as well as areas for quiet study. The computers in the Learning Commons are equipped with technologies you might use in a class. You also are able to check out equipment and devices such as laptops, iPads and calculators.
The library has access to numerous resources including articles and newspapers in online databases, ebooks, streaming videos and media, as well as print books and journals. The faculty librarians can help you navigate these resources and select materials that best meet your research needs. In several of your classes, a librarian may be involved to teach about information literacy. You also can schedule a research appointment with a librarian via the library website as well as chat online. Utilizing the support services available in the Learning Commons can greatly assist your success as a student.
PRO TIP:
Don't forget that you have additional support in your academic studies other than your professors. You can reach out to librarians, who are here to support you and want you to succeed. Librarians can assist you with learning how to evaluate resources, accessing quality resources for your research papers, and helping with citations.
-Andrea Hartranft, Associate Professor, Information Science/Librarian
30 World Summit on the Information Society. (2005). Alexandria Proclamation on Information Literacy and Lifelong Learning. The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions. International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions [www.ifla.org]
31 American Library Association. (1989, January 10). Presidential Committee on Information Literacy. Final Report. American Library Association. American Library Association [www.ala.org]
