Welcome! So, you've found this tutorial, you've registered, and--let's be honest--right about now you may be wondering what you're doing here, not to mention what exactly "information literacy" is. Not to worry. Here is a brief overview.

Information is everywhere. It is becoming increasingly available from many sources in all different formats such as printed text, television, videos, library catalogs and databases, websites and more. To be "information literate," you need to know when, why and how to use all these tools, and you need to think critically about the information you find.

You won't become information literate overnight. Just as with speaking, reading and writing skills, your abilities will improve over time as you gain expertise in the topics you choose to investigate. As a college student, you will be expected to research topics for papers and projects, a process that involves effectively navigating the always-growing sea of information out there. This tutorial as a part of Meredith's Information Literacy Program will help you tremendously--not only with your current research needs--but also with your future educational, professional and personal information needs.

"Everybody's doing it" accurately describes this academic research component. Your friends at colleges and universities all over the world are learning the same information literacy tools as you are! The Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) has developed information literacy competency standards--so you're not alone.
Click HERE to view the ACRL standards.