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#SearchSmart! Information Literacy Tutorial

This is a self-learning tutorial that addresses each stage of the research process, including: identifying information needs; selecting sources; finding high-quality, scholarly information; evaluating information; and using information responsibly.

Welcome

Welcome to the #SearchSmart! Information Literacy Tutorial 

During your university study you will be confronted with academic literature for the first time. It is essential that you learn what academic literature is, where to find it and how to use it correctly. To succeed in this you need to develop new skills; information literacy skills. These skills are part of the academic skills you will be taught during your university degree.

FIRST - Read on What is Information Literacy? and the overall Learning Objectives for the tutorial (the next two tabs above this information to your right).
THEN - Begin with Unit 1: Plan your Research Assignment and read each unit in order. Before beginning a unit, read its learning objectives first. Each unit has an interactive quiz to test your understanding.

There are six units to help you develop your knowledge and skill in working with information sources. 

The tutorial does not have to be completed in one sitting.

Please do not hesitate to contact your Faculty Librarian for further assistance. Alternatively, contact Sylvester Jeffries via the contact box here on the bottom left-hand side.

NB: Before you move onto Unit 1 (Plan your Research), please click on the next tab above (What is Information Literacy?).  

What is Information Literacy

Information Literacy is a set of skills that you can use to identify the specific information you need and to locate, evaluate and use the information effectively (ACRL Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education, 2015).

  • Information Literacy is closely-related to the critical thinking skills that are an essential component of your university education.
  • Improving your Information Literacy skills will help you get better results on your assignments.
  • You will use your Information Literacy skills for your entire life!

Take a moment to enjoy this entertaining video on information literacy and student research, a creative adaptation of Coldplay's popular song "Viva La Vida" featuring new lyrics by Dr. James F. McGrath from Butler University. 

Source: Viva la Library (The Information Literacy Song) 

NB: Before you move onto Unit 1 (Plan your Research), please click on the next tab above (Learning Objectives). 

Learning Objectives

By the end of the six units, you should be able to:

  1. Understand your assignment so that you can set your research on a logical path that will guide you into the later stages of the work.
  2. Develop effective search techniques to locate relevant information for research purposes.
  3. Recognise the different types of information sources and to choose the right ones according to your needs.
  4. Use search tools to find quality, scholarly information sources. 
  5. Evaluate the information collected during your research using the most appropriate criteria according to the type of information source.
  6. Give credit to the original ideas of others through proper attribution and citation.
NB: You may now proceed to start Unit 1 (Plan your Research) of this tutorial. Enjoy the learning! 

UWC LIBRARY & INFORMATION SERVICES

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Bellville,

7535

Tel: 021 959 2946