Information Literacy

Information Literacy

An information literate person can recognise an information need and is able to apply the set of transferable skills, attitudes and behaviours needed to find, retrieve, assess, manage and apply information in any situation, throughout life.

Information literacy supports individual and organisational learning, creativity and innovation and contributes to improved healthcare delivery through a continuously evolving, reliable information base.

Information literacy cycle

  • STEP 1: Question

    What do you need to know? Defining the question related to your information need is vital to finding the right solution : you must ask the right question to get the right answer.

  • STEP 2: Source

    Where can you look for the information? Sources include people as well as written and electronic materials. Perhaps there is someone you know or can contact who would be able to supply the information you need?

  • STEP 3: Find

    Which words do you use in your search? At the question stage you will have identified the key words in your question and are now ready to use them to search the sources you have selected.

  • STEP 4: Evaluate

    Have you found ‘good’ information? Look closely at the information your search has recovered to check whether your question has been answered. Do you believe the information?

  • STEP 5: Combine

    Have you learned something new and useful from your search? Blend this with what you knew before searching.

  • STEP 6: Share

    Would other people in your work-group/family find your new information useful or interesting? How would you share it with them?

  • STEP 7: Apply

    How will you use the information? Will this help improve management or treatment of your condition? Improve your work practices? Help you write a new policy document?