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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)

Information Literacy is a key skill taught by your Faculty Librarians. We usually meet you in a lecture
or workshop at least once during your course. Lecture and workshop content is supported by online
learning resources which you can explore in your own time to develop this crucial skill for your
studies and beyond.

What skills do you already have and which do you need to develop? Visit the CILIP Information Literacy website for more information.

Staff members; contact your Faculty Librarian to discuss embedding Information Literacy into your course

Why do I need to learn this?

Planning your assignment

Navigating the Library

Starting your information search

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Start your research by reading some recommended texts on your reading list. For some topics Google can get you started with your own research. Here are some ways you can make it work more effectively.
- Using Google Scholar is a useful introduction to advanced search techniques and Google Scholar.
- You may wish to explore the Advanced Search on Google in more depth.

Search the Library Discovery Service. It is a bit like Google for good quality library resources. It searches many information sources at once
- The Discovery Service webpage will give you a useful introduction.
- The Discovery Animated Guide will give you a quick overview.
If you want to find resources recommended by your Faculty Librarian, visit the Subject pages. Choose your Faculty and then your subject area.
- The Subject Pages are useful when you are trying to find particular types of information, for example, newspapers, journals, or visual information.

Developing your research

Academic reading

Evaluating infomation

Referencing your sources

Using generative AI in coursework or research

Useful links

Academic reading (file)
Academic reading: journal articles (file)
Applying a search strategy (file)
Boolean logic (file)
Choosing keywords (file)
Fruitstall and keywords - selecting keywords for an assignment or dissertation (file)
Mind Maps
The Ocean of Information (file)
Using Generative AI in University Library coursework or research
Choosing keywords