How important is the skill of information literacy?
Information literacy is the ability to both find and utilize information. I think this skill is extremely important. We have so much information at our fingertips, if we can find it. Being able to sift through all of this information is power, because of the time we save, and the information we gain.
Why is it important to understand that there are various types of information that can found in different ways, using different tools?
I think this is important because each different source, location, has some definite benefits. For example a library has books, encyclopedias, magazines, scholarly journal. An added bonus is a reference librarian is usually available to help you in the search, if you are still learning like I am. In addition libraries usually pay for subscriptions to specialized online research such as electronic journals etc.
Another huge source for information is the internet. So much free information is given on the internet. However, it is skill to be able to find information that you need. By researching search engines we can greatly improve our success at finding information on the web. I recently studied the search engine Dogpile, and I was amazed at the tips and tricks I learned just by researching on Dogpiles home page. In Utah, we have a huge resource it is the search engine PIONEER, that anyone who is a citizen of Utah can use. This search engine includes many databases for scholarly journals. If you have kids in school, I am sure they can tell you all about it. The internet is great because it is so accessible.
Why is it important to have good searching skills?
So you can get results. Find relevant results that help you find the information you need quickly. So you fully understand what different sources have to offer, so you can find the source(s) that best fits your query. As I said above, if you have good searching skills, you find the results you need in a timely manner. I have known people to say, the internet has so much information, if only I could find what I am looking for. I do not think information literacy is something you are born with, it takes time and development to acquire this talent.
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