Carmichael Library
Welcome to the Information Literacy Research Guide. Carmichael Library is committed to the goal of increasing the information literacy of the students attending the University of Montevallo. Information Literacy is the foundation for lifelong learning, and it extends across the curriculum to touch every discipline. This guide contains a collection of links, resources, and information to support information literacy learning outcomes.
What is Information Literacy?
The American Association of College and Research Libraries defines Information Literacy as the set of abilities that allow a person to recognize when information is needed and to locate, evaluate, and use effectively the needed information.
Information literacy forms the basis for lifelong learning. It is common to all disciplines, to all learning environments, and to all levels of education. It enables learners to master content and extend their investigations, become more self-directed, and assume greater control over their own learning.
- ACRL Information Literacy Competency Standards for Higher Education
Information Literacy at the University of Montevallo
The University of Montevallo chose Information Literacy as the Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) plan in 2011. The integration of information literacy as a focus of both the General Education and major curricula supports the University’s mission to provide a “higher educational experience of high quality, with a strong emphasis on undergraduate liberal studies and with professional programs supported by a broad base of arts and sciences, designed for their intellectual and personal growth in
the pursuit of meaningful employment and responsible, informed citizenship.”
University of Montevallo Mission Statement
The American Association of College and Research Libraries Information Literacy Standards state that an information literate individual is 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 effectively to accomplish a specific purpose
- Understand the economic, legal, and social issues surrounding the use of information, and access and use information ethically and legally
