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Information Literacy at UMGC

Information literacy is a critical skill not only for the 21st century workplace, but for all aspects of our students' lives. To be information literate—to be able to find, evaluate, and use information effectively—underpins students' academic achievement and opens a path to lifelong learning. Given the essential role of information literacy in a college education, the UMGC Library initiates and supports curricular efforts to develop information literacy skills in our graduates.

The Association of College and Research Libraries has developed a Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education that outlines areas in which students can develop their research skills. These areas, or frames, encourage the student to:

  • evaluate an information source for its authority;
  • understand the complex and open-ended nature of the research process;
  • recognize that information has value (economic, rhetorical, societal, etc.);
  • enter into the research process as a means of inquiry, of asking questions and creating knowledge;
  • see scholarly research as a conversation, one in which students themselves can take an active role.

The UMGC Library works with students, faculty, and staff to advance information literacy as a core learning objective. We are eager to support faculty in all aspects of teaching information literacy, including the design of research assignments, developing subject guides, and visiting classes to offer library instruction. If you have any questions about library research or information literacy, please contact your department's library liaison, or email the library.