The Learning CentreInformation Literacy Skills

Learning OutcomesBy the end of this session you should be able to:

Develop the research skills you already have

Increase your understanding of where you can find information

Be able to assess the quality of the information you find

What are Information Literacy Skills?

“Information literacy is knowing when and why

you need information, where to find it, and how

to evaluate, use and communicate it in an ethical

manner”

(CILIP, 2012)

What is the purpose of research?

To learn more about your subject from what others

have written

The creation and support of objective

arguments

To demonstrate you have studied the

topic in depth

To see the “full picture” related to

the topic

To give evidence of theories

Develop essential life and

employability skills

Why We Researc

h!

Where can you find information?

The Internet (Google) is not the only way to

research!

Books and ebooks

Newspapers (online)

Magazines and Journals

TV and Radio Documentaries

Your tutor / Class Handouts

Make use of college learning systems and resources

Beware of Google and WikipediaRobbie Williams eats domestic

pets(hamsters) in pubs for money (2006).

David Beckham was a Chinese goalkeeper in

the 18th century (2006).

Miley Cyrus was killed in a car crash (2008).

Tony Blair worships Hitler (2006).

Vernon Kay killed by a yacht in

Greece (2008).

Alan Titchmarsh published a new version of

the Kama Sutra (2008)

Borat is the president of Kazakhstan (2007).

Activity 1 - True or False?

True or False?

True or False?

Critically assess what you have found!Who put the information there (who owns the site)?

Why did they create the site?

What is the level of the information?

Where is there information from (is it UK based)?

When was the site last updated?

How does it compare to other sources of information on the topic?

Check the:

‘URL’ address (.co, .com, .ac, .org, .gov)

The ‘About Us’ and ‘Contact Us’ section

Activity 2Critically assess the following website on Martin

Luther King, Jr.

Link

Avoid Plagiarism! Plagiarism is taking the words, theories, creations or

ideas of another person and passing them off as your own. 

It can be deliberate or unintentional. You must ensure you reference ALL material that comes from another

source.

Plagiarism is a serious issue that can result in failing an assignment or even failing the year.

All forms of plagiarism will be taken seriously - deliberate or not!

How to make the most of search engines?

Country Specific

You can limit your search to the UK by searching your subject:

Example ‘Human Rights: UK’ or ‘Health and Safety: UK’

General Searches

Try to think of different ways to find the same thing by altering the

wording or terminology. Example: ‘technology and social

change’ or ‘impact of technology on society.

Quotation Marks, Question Marks & Dates

Try using “ “, ? or a specific date to help narrow down your

search. Example: “Southampton City College

ActivityGiven what you’ve just been told, can you

evaluate whether this information is reliable, objective and valid?

Research Skills Activity

Things to remember when researching1. Make sure you understand what is required from you

2. Use a range of sources to ensure you get the full picture

and an in depth understanding of your topic.

3. As you go along ask yourself

1. Does this answer the question?

2. Is this source reliable?

3. Do I have a balance of opinions?

4. Make sure you keep a note (in full) of each resource you

have looked at and used for your bibliography.