Information Literacy  

Reference & Instruction Section  

Contact info:
3442-6415
lbinf@cityu.edu.hk

Visit us at the Reference Desk at the Library!

Information literate individuals possess the ability to think critically and creatively, and can use their talents to explore new ideas and create knowledge, in addition to contributing to society.  Information literacy is also an integral component of lifelong learning, as it equips individuals to become self-directed learners.

Information literate individuals are able to^:

• Determine the extent of information needed
• Access the needed information effectively and efficiently
• Evaluate information and its sources critically
• Incorporate selected information into one's knowledge base
• Use information ethically to accomplish a specific purpose
• Understand the economic, legal, and social issues surrounding the use of information, and access and use information ethically

Librarians assist the University community with developing information literacy skills in a variety of ways, including, but not limited to: making available a quality collection of information resources, collaborating with teaching staff to integrate information literacy skills into courses, providing research assistance, offering a library instruction programme, developing and hosting events that encourage lifelong learning, participating in University activities that cultivate information literacy skills, and providing an environment that fosters critical thinking and encourages open inquiry.

For more information, see the document The Library, Information Literacy, and the Library Instruction Programme: Missions, Goals, and Objectives.

^From the Association of College & Research Libraries' (ACRL) Information Literacy Competency Standards for Higher Education.

While information literacy skills are fostered in different ways throughout the University, the Library has a unique role in promoting information literacy.  Part of the way in which the Library provides information literacy education is through its Library instruction programme. The purpose of the Library's instruction programme is to assist the members of the University community with developing the skills necessary to identify, locate, evaluate, and use ethically those information resources appropriate for their research and scholarship.  Library instruction takes a variety of forms, including, but not limited to: research assistance provided in person, by telephone (Reference Desk), and via email, library orientation sessions and workshops, course-related instruction, web-based research guides and online tutorials, and an online course.

For more information, see our Research Help web page and the document The Library, Information Literacy, and the Library Instruction Programme: Missions, Goals, and Objectives.