Information Literacy | Examples & Definition

Information literacy covers a range of skills related to finding sources, evaluating their credibility, and using them in appropriate ways. Among other competencies, information literacy includes:

• Using databases
• Identifying credible sources
• Citing sources correctly

Why is information literacy important?

There is an abundance of information online, and knowing how to identify sources that are credible is a key skill for academic research. Online content may contain bias and seek to influence the reader’s beliefs or purchase decisions; this type of content is unsuitable for use in research.

One example of online content that seeks to influence the reader in some way includes fake news, or the intentional spreading of misinformation. Another example is native advertising, or ad content that matches the website’s layout and visual design so that readers are not aware they are reading an advertisement.

Be wary of misleading and manipulative content online. As you read, think critically about the information presented and where it is coming from. This is important both for academic life and for responsible media consumption more broadly.

Information literacy skills

Information literacy refers to a range of research skills. The different stages of the research process rely on different skills, so what you must know to begin your data collection differs from the competencies you’ll employ as you draft your research paper.

Information literacy includes:

• Knowing how to search for sources
• Verifying sources for credibility and relevance (e.g., the CRAAP test)
• Recognizing bias
• Taking steps to avoid plagiarism
• Citing sources appropriately

Finding sources

When you begin the research process, you must identify relevant sources to support your data collection.

To search for sources, you should first determine the type of sources you need according to your research subject. The first stages of research should involve identifying key definitions and gaining an overview of the subject. At this point, tertiary sources (e.g., databases, encyclopedias) can help you get started.

As you progress in the research process, you should seek out secondary and primary sources for more specialized knowledge that you can cite in your paper. Throughout this process, vet every source you consult for credibility.

• Websites: Use websites with credible URLs (.edu or .gov).
• Search engines: Use only reliable search engines such as Google Scholar to identify academic journal sources.
• Databases: Databases are often dedicated to specific research fields, and some may have paywalls. Your university library might give you access to certain subscription databases.

To identify appropriate sources, you must:

• Have a defined research problem.
• Understand which academic journals and databases are relevant to your research subject.
• Know how to narrow or widen your search.

Using your research problem and the related keywords enables you to use Boolean operators (e.g., “AND,” “NOT”) to execute searches for exact phrases or specific keywords.

Evaluating sources

It is fundamental to evaluate sources for quality and credibility. Reliable sources that are suitable for use in academic research are free from bias and up to date. Any citations they have should also link to reliable sources.

You can use the CRAAP test to assess a source’s quality and credibility. The “CRAAP” acronym stands for:

• Currency: Is the source current?
• Relevance: Is the source pertinent to your topic?
• Authority: Does the source come from a reliable publisher and author?
• Accuracy: Is the information correct? Is there evidence supporting the information?
• Purpose: Why was this source published?

The approach you take to evaluating sources will depend on your particular research subject. For example, if you are studying a science-based topic, sources published over a decade ago may no longer be current. In humanities subjects like English or history, publication date may be less important.

Citing sources

Every source you quote or paraphrase in your paper must be cited correctly. Appropriate citations are important for:

• Avoiding plagiarism
• Establishing the authority of the information presented
• Providing support for your argument and claims
• Directing the reader to further information about your subject

The most common citation styles used include:

• MLA style: Humanities and liberal arts
• APA Style:  Behavioral and social sciences
• Chicago style: Sciences and history

Be sure to check which citation style to use for your university or journal. Different styles require different information and formats for the in-text citations and reference entries.

Quillbot’s Citation Generator tool can help you to create and manage your citations throughout the research process.

Frequently asked questions about information literacy

Why is information literacy important?

Strong academic research requires engagement with information from other researchers, but this is only valid when the sources used are accurate. Online information and published articles may exhibit bias, lack credibility, or lack evidence to support their claims.

Information literacy denotes the range of skills you need to be able to decipher the credibility of a source. Information literacy and critical thinking are fundamental to academic research and responsible media consumption more broadly.

What makes a source credible?

Sources can be vetted using the CRAAP test as well as checked for the following points to ensure credibility:

• Updated information
• Trustworthy publisher and author with relevant credentials for the topic
• Cited materials should be able to be consulted and unbiased
• Online sources should have a trustworthy URL and layout

Quillbot’s Citation Generator tool can help you to create and manage your citations throughout the research process.

When do I need to cite sources?

You should always include a citation for the sources you use to support any academic text.

In-text citations must accompany any material that is quoted, paraphrased, or summarized. The in-text citation should direct the reader to the full reference entry in the references list or bibliography.

The format of your citations and reference entries is determined by the citation style you are using (e.g., MLA, APA, Chicago).

Quillbot’s Citation Generator can help you to create and manage your citations throughout the research process.