What Is Information Competency?

The Basic Five Concepts of Information Competency

The information competent student is able to:

1. Determine the extent of information needed
2. Access the needed information effectively and efficiently
3. Evaluate information and its sources critically
4. Incorporate selected information into one’s knowledge base
5. Use information effectively to accomplish a specific purpose
6. Understand the economic, legal, and social issues surrounding the use of information, and access and use information ethically and legally

As educators, we understand that the unprecedented growth in the creation and availability of information means that we cannot teach students everything they need to know; rather, we aim to teach them to find information as needed and analyze it critically. Individuals who are information competent will be able to assume greater control over their learning and decision making in every stage of life.

For more details on the competencies, see ACRL’s statement