W hat is information competency?

I nformation Competency is the ability to:

• Recognize the need for information
• Know where to obtain information
• Choose the proper source and retrieve appropriate information
• Organize, analyze, and synthesize information
• Use and communicate information

ACRL (Association of College & Research Libraries):  Information Competency Standards for Higher Education

 

Why is information competency important?

A rapidly changing environment is characteristic of today's life. Information competent people have learned how to learn. They know how information is organized, how to find information and how to use information in such a way that others can learn from them. They are people prepared for lifelong learning because they can always find the information needed for any task or decision that presents itself.

• Information competent students are prepared for lifelong learning.
• Information competency is a critical skill for student success. Research indicates that students who are information competent will have greater success in completing their degrees. It will help to ensure that students will be able to function successfully in our Information Age.
  
• The Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges requires that general education provide students with information competency skills.  (Standard II A.3.b.)
• The Academic Senate for California Community Colleges and the Board of Governors have passed a resolution supporting information competency as a graduation requirement.