Information Skills & Subskills

(A Synthesis of Major Existing Models) Ruth V. Small & Marilyn P. Arnone, Turning Kids On To Research: The Power of Motivation, 2000, also used in S.O.S. for Information Literacy Web site Search Criteria)

Italics indicate electronic information skills and subskills.Units Added: "Consumerism," "Introduction to Library: 6th-Grade Posters," "Musical Styles," "On the Road," "Prose to Poetry," "Quest for the West,"

1. Definition

   Identifying the requirements of the research task or assignment. generic, 6, 7, 8

   Determining the amount and type of information needed to complete the task or assignment. generic, 6, 7, 8

   Considering potential topics.7

2. Selection

   Narrowing the topic or question to be explored

   Specifying subtopics or related keywords. generic , 6, 7, 8, 8

3. Planning

   Formulating a search strategy. generic, 6, 8

   Identifying potential information sources. generic, 6, 8

   Creating a general framework for organizing information found. generic,

   Identifying potential formats for presentation of results. generic,

4. Exploration

   1. Accessing information resources. generic,
      1. Understands parts of a book generic, 6
      2. Understand shelf arrangement 6,
      3. Understand classification system 6,
      4. Use OPAC efficiently 6,
      5. Use online periodical index science 7; health 8
      6. Access electronic reference material, Internet, CD's generic, 6 8
         1. Search engines—compare and contrast
         2. Follow links and layers in electronic sources
         3. Subject directories
         4. Tools & techniques specific to electronic information
         5. Boolian operators—“and, or and not”
      7. Accesses traditional reference resources generic, 8
         1. Almanac social studies 6
         2. Specialized dictionaries (Webster's, biographical, geographical dictionaries)
         3. Atlas generic
         4. Dictionary—guide words language arts or social studies 6
         5. One-volume reference books (Use key word & topic headings)
         6. Encyclopedia index
         7. Periodical Index—Reader's Guide science 7; health 8
         8. Indices to collections of short works
         9. Identifies specialized subject reference sources 6 6, 7,
         10. Biographical information
         11. Exploring a range of information resources.8
         12. Understand hierarchy of information—general to specific
         13. Understands & is able to use inter-library loan Horizons, H's Challenge 
         14. Uses community resources, museums, human resources
         15. Rethinking research topic.
         16. Finalizing formulation of research topic.

5. Collection

   Selecting most relevant information resources. generic, 6 6, 8

   Locating relevant information within selected resources. generic, 6, 6 7,8

   Reads purposefully—skims and scans 6

   Underlines key words

   Abide by acceptable use policy re. Internet, etc.

   Apply ethical conduct to information technology

   Extracting information from selected resources. 6 6, 8

   View & download relevant Internet information 6

   Takes notes 6 6,

   Takes notes with word processor

   Use proper citation

   Use proper citation—Noodle Tools, etc.

   Evaluating the accuracy, credibility, currency, and completeness of the information.

   Saving information for potential future use.

6. Organization

   1. Analyzing and comparing data for evaluating relevance.
   2. Use spreadsheet, and/or database ..8
   3. Filtering out irrelevant information. 8
   4. Summarizing and synthesizing gathered information. generic, 6 7,
   5. Outline, web, paraphrase, summarize 8th?
   6. Outline, cut and paste
   7. Create and refine thesis statement
   8. Sequencing selected information.
   9. Organizing information for presentation. generic, 6 8
   10. Format word processed document with columns, headers, tabs
   11. Produce spreadsheet with assistance
   12. Chart a graph with assistance
   13. Use spell checker, grammar checker, thesaurus, etc.
   14. Create and use computer-generated graphics and art 6

7. Presentation

   Selecting most appropriate format for communicating results.

   Use presentation software 6

   Use specialized computer applications for specific tasks

   Presenting results. generic,8

8. Evaluation

   Evaluating the end product. generic,8

   Assess product for completeness, strengths and weaknesses

   Use rubrics for self/group evaluation

   Assessing the efficiency of the research process. 6,

   Assess use of available time for task

   Make recommendations to improve results

   Determining future usefulness or applicability of the research process 6,

   Facility/Computer Awareness Skills

   Learn care of computer

   Concept of a library 6,

   Behavior and etiquette 6, 8

Lifelong Reading Skills

1. Develop personal interests 8th?
2. Recognize variety of literary forms:
   1. Folklore
   2. Poetry 8
   3. Drama
   4. Biography
   5. Autobiography
   6. Mythology
   7. Novels
   8. Short Stories
   9. Nonfiction
3. Recognize genres of fiction:
   1. Adventure
   2. Fantasy
   3. Science-fiction
   4. Historical fiction
   5. Mysteries
4. Recognize value of literary awards and reviews
5. Set personal bookmarks
6. Learn to use Virtual Library 8