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Academic Integrity: Information Skills

Introduction

Good information literacy skills help you successfully find, use and evaluate information which is key to academic success and lifelong learning.

What is Information Literacy?

In the wider context, information skills are important because they help to increase information literacy. 

“Information literacy is the ability to think critically and make balanced judgements about any information we find and use. It empowers us as citizens to reach and express informed views and to engage fully with society.”  (CILIP, 2018)

By Developing Information Literacy Skills Students will be able to:

  • Understand the need to use information and define your research topic
  • Identify the range of information resources available
  • Locate and access information using different library collections
  • Use search tools to locate relevant information by applying effective search strategies
  • Identify and use subject-specific library databases
  • Use information independently and critically
  • Locate and evaluate quality information on the web
  • Cite information and use it in a responsible and ethical manner

Why are the Information Skills are Important?

Given the abundance of information in different formats and varying quality, and with the rapid developments in AI, it's crucial for students to have the skills to make the most of available resources, including the ability to assess and use information ethically. It's essential for them to effectively retrieve, evaluate, and use information.

By empowering students to develop these skills, we can support their academic success and help ensure that our graduates become independent and successful lifelong learners.

How we can Help You to develop your Information Skills

Our library team is here to help you develop essential information skills that will support your academic, professional, and personal growth. We provide guidance on planning and conducting research, from creating effective research questions to finding credible sources. With our support, you’ll learn how to navigate academic databases, search and filter information, and access high-quality, relevant materials suited to your needs. We also help you critically evaluate sources to ensure the information you use is reliable.

Beyond finding information, we assist with proper citation and referencing, guiding you through different styles and tools to help you avoid plagiarism and recognize original authors. Our digital literacy resources focus on developing your skills in safely and effectively navigating online spaces. For those needing additional support, we offer workshops and one-on-one consultations to provide personalized assistance. Our goal is to give you the tools to approach information confidently and responsibly—skills that will serve you well in all aspects of life. Visit the library to start building your information skills today.

In addition, Open Information Skills sessions are available throughout the year and can be booked by students and staff via the library website.

Resources