Standard One
The information literate student determines the nature and extent of the information needed.

Performance Indicators
PI 1.) The information literate student defines and articulates the need for information.

• Confers with instructors and participates in class discussions, peer workgroups, and electronic discussions to identify a research topic, or other information need
• Explores general information sources to increase familiarity with the topic
• Identifies key concepts and terms that describe the information need
  

PI 2.) The information literate student identifies a variety of types and formats of potential sources for information.

• Identifies the value and differences of potential resources in a variety of formats (e.g., multimedia, database, website, data set, audio/visual, book)
• Differentiates between primary and secondary sources, recognizing how their use and importance vary with each discipline
  

PI 3.) The information literate student considers the costs and benefits of acquiring the needed information.

• Defines a realistic overall plan and timeline to acquire the needed information

PI 4.) The information literate student reevaluates the nature and extent of the information need.

• Reviews the initial information need to clarify, revise, or refine the question

Standard Two

The information literate student accesses needed information effectively and efficiently.

PI 1.) The information literate student constructs and implements effectively-designed search strategies

• Identifies keywords, synonyms and related terms for the information needed
• Implements the search strategy in various information retrieval systems using different user interfaces and search engines, with different command languages, protocols, and search parameters
  

PI 2.) The information literate student retrieves information online or in person using a variety of methods.

• Uses various search systems to retrieve information in a variety of formats

PI 3.) The information literate student extracts, records, and manages the information and its sources.

• Selects among various technologies the most appropriate one for the task of extracting the needed information (e.g., copy/paste software functions, photocopier, scanner, audio/visual equipment, or exploratory instruments)
• Records all pertinent citation information for future reference

Standard 3

The information literate student evaluates information and its sources critically and incorporates selected information into his or her knowledge base and value system.

PI 1.) The information literate student synthesizes main ideas to construct new concepts.

• Recognizes interrelationships among concepts and combines them into potentially useful primary statements with supporting evidence

PI 2. The information literate student compares new knowledge with prior knowledge to determine the value added, contradictions, or other unique characteristics of the information.

• Determines probable accuracy by questioning the source of the data, the limitations of the information gathering tools or strategies, and the reasonableness of the conclusions
• Selects information that provides evidence for the topic
  

PI 3.) The information literate student validates understanding and interpretation of the information through discourse with other individuals, subject-area experts, and/or practitioners.

• Participates in classroom and other discussions

PI 4.) The information literate student determines whether the initial query should be revised.

• Determines if original information need has been satisfied or if additional information is needed

Standard Four

The information literate student, individually or as a member of a group, uses information effectively to accomplish a specific purpose.

PI 1.) The information literate student applies new and prior information to the planning and creation of a particular product or performance.

• Manipulates digital text, images, and data, as needed, transferring them from their original locations and formats to a new context

Standard Five

The information literate student understands many of the economic, legal, and social issues surrounding the use of information and accesses and uses information ethically and legally.

PI 1.) The information literate student understands many of the ethical, legal and socio-economic issues surrounding information and information technology.

• Identifies and discusses issues related to free vs. fee-based access to information
  

PI 2.) The information literate student follows laws, regulations, institutional policies, and etiquette related to the access and use of information resources.

• Demonstrates an understanding of what constitutes plagiarism and does not represent work attributable to others as his/her own

PI 3. ) The information literate student acknowledges the use of information sources in communicating the product or performance.

• Selects an appropriate documentation style and uses it consistently to cite sources