Information Literacy Framework

Searching for information is often nonlinear and iterative, requiring the evaluation of a range of information sources and the mental flexibility to pursue alternate avenues as new understanding develops.

Created by Steely Library at Northern Kentucky University

Learners who are developing their information literate abilities

• determine the initial scope of the task required to meet their information needs;
• identify interested parties, such as scholars, organizations, governments, and industries, who might produce information about a topic and then determine how to access that information;
• utilize divergent (e.g., brainstorming) and convergent (e.g., selecting the best source) thinking when searching;
• match information needs and search strategies to appropriate search tools;
• design and refine needs and search strategies as necessary, based on search results;
• understand how information systems (i.e., collections of recorded information) are organized in order to access relevant information;
• use different types of searching language (e.g., controlled vocabulary, keywords, natural language) appropriately;
• manage searching processes and results effectively.

Learners who are developing their information literate abilities

• exhibit mental flexibility and creativity;
• understand that first attempts at searching do not always produce adequate results;
• realize that information sources vary greatly in content and format and have varying relevance and value, depending on the needs and nature of the search;
• realize that information sources vary greatly in content and format and have varying relevance and value, depending on the needs and nature of the search;
• realize that information sources vary greatly in content and format and have varying relevance and value, depending on the needs and nature of the search;
• persist in the face of search challenges, and know when they have enough information to complete the information task.