Information literacy provides a basis for lifelong learning and it has become a problem not only for students but also for the community in general. For instance, nearly one-third of US citizens don’t know how to use the Internet—a tool that has become inherently linked with being information literate. Credo Reference provides a means to help improve your library community’s Information IQ.

So what is Information Literacy?

Information Literacy, as defined by ALA, is “a set of abilities requiring individuals to recognize when information is needed and have the ability to locate, evaluate, and use effectively the needed information”. Lately, information literacy has been closely tied with information technology skills. With so much of our information being available on the Internet, the community almost needs to be able to be computer literate to become information literate.

Information Literacy Issues in Academia

As Megan explored on Friday, we know that student retention rates are closely tied to student engagement with campus library resources; the more the students engage with their campus library, the lower the chance they will drop out of school.

Credo Reference and Libraries Thriving surveyed over 1,500 students from 420 schools, and over 80% of the students said that they feel adequately or somewhat prepared to conduct research, while only 16% say that they are very prepared to do research. The three main hindrances the students cited were: time, the overwhelming amount of information, and the difficulty of finding resources.

Many students enter college with little background when it comes to researching, and can feel overwhelmed when that first research paper comes around if they don’t have the necessary information skills. They might be able to locate information through Google, but not be able to effectively use or evaluate the information.

By working with their librarians, these students can learn the information skills necessary to help them find resources and then filter down those resources by determining the document’s usefulness.

Information Literacy Issues in the Workplace

Information literacy isn’t only important to academic success, but also success in the workplace. In a survey published in December 2011, 77% of employees surveyed felt that “finding information” was an essential part of their job. The survey also found that While many new hires excel with computers and technology, many employers are finding that their graduates lack the research skills required in the workplace.

How Can Credo Reference Help?

For those less likely to approach a librarian or who have never learned information skills, Credo Reference offers easy-to-use solutions to ease users into researching at higher levels. As a one-stop reference source of verifiable resources, Credo Reference is an excellent tool for your community to use.

Literati Public allows librarians to integrate community and school outreach, promote their library, and guide resource discovery all under one platform, to their entire population. There is educational content for all ages via formats such as informational videos, tutorials, and interactive discovery tools.

Literati Academic combines content and technology for a complete solution. With access to academic core, subject and publisher collections, Literati Academic provides students an effective starting point for research.

Providing access to Credo Reference through your library’s mobile app empowers your students to continue learning and researching wherever they go. You can learn more about the Credo Reference integration through Megan’s Wednesday Webinar or our previous blog post.