What is information literacy?

Information literacy (also referred to as information competence) is a core academic literacy and a CSULA graduation requirement. Accrediting bodies such as WASC and discipline associations are increasingly recognizing the concept and practice of information literacy. An Information literate student is able to:

• Define the research topic and the information need;
• Access the needed information effectively and efficiently;
• Evaluate information critically;
• Organize, synthesize and communicate information for a specific purpose; and,
• Ethically and legally access and use information

Information Literacy at CSULA

In 2005 the California State University Los Angeles Information Literacy Advisory Committee was established in response to the need for a campus-wide dialog on integrating information literacy into the CSULA curricula. Several collaborative projects between Kennedy Memorial Library and classroom faculty are in progress.

For more information about information literacy for faculty see the Association of Colleges and Research Libraries. For information on projects in the CSU see http://www.calstate.edu/LS/infocomp.shtml