What is information literacy? 

The American Library Association defines information literacy as a set of abilities requiring individuals to recognize when information is needed and have the ability to locate, evaluate, and use effectively the needed information.

"Students do a lot of searching online for information. This does not make them expert, or even good, searchers. Thanks to Google, students can always find information on any topic.  This does not mean that they have found true, accurate, useful information. Students need instruction and guidance in learning how to find, evaluate, select and use information, just as they need instruction and guidance in learning anything else."   - Priyanka Gupta/EdTech Review

VideoS

Articles

• "Turn Students into Fact-Finding Web Detectives" - tips, resources, and practical advice on helping students find credible information online from Common Sense Media
• "How to Spot Fake News" - teaching kids to be media-savvy
• "Teaching Kids to be Responsible Online Publishers" - how to help kids be responsible for the content they share online
• "Be Internet Awesome" - Google's initiative to help kids be safe, confident explorers of the online world

BCSS Approach

Information literacy skills are imperative in this digital age. Students need to be able to identify what is real and relevant not just for school but for learning, life and work. We believe that it is imperative for students to have the skills necessary to find reliable information by evaluating resources, strategic online searching, and using databases and other information provided by school and public libraries.  

ReseaRch Toolkits

It's often hard to know where to start and what tools can help you when conducting research. These two interactive Piktocharts show all the components and you can click on each for even more details. 

• Elementary Toolkit
• Middle & High School Toolkit