Information Literacy

    Enduring Understanding: Lifelong, independent learning is based on a foundation of information literacy.

    What is information literacy?  

    Information literacy is the ability to identify, access, evaluate and make use of information in its various formats and to choose the appropriate medium for communication. It also encompasses knowledge and attitudes related to the ethical and social issues surrounding information and information technologies. Students who are information literate are able to transfer learning across curricular areas and from the classroom environment to “real-life” situations.

    “A Librarian's Gift - - - Give a student a book and he will have something to read this week. Teach a student to locate, manage, and use the information and materials he needs and he will enjoy the lifelong gifts of learning, reading, and using a library.”  

    Thanks to Karen Browne Ohlrich for permission to use this quote from her book, Making Flexible Access and Flexible Scheduling Work Today, Englewood, CO: Libraries Unlimited, Inc., 2001, p.5.

    Information Literacy Standards

    Research Process

    Do you need some information? Knowing how to do research is an important life-long skill. Here at Olney, we use AGOPE as our research model. AGOPE is an acronym that stands for:

    Ask Questions 

    • Brainstorm the topic. What do I already know? What do I want to find out?
    • Preview your topic by reading (encyclopedias, websites)
    • Identify your research problem or question.
    • List specific questions.

    Gather Information  

    • Gather keywords based on your questions.
    • Search places: media center, public library, home, other community resources
    • Search specific sources: almanacs, atlases, encyclopedias, non-fiction books, magazines, newspapers, websites, interview an expert
    • Skim sources, using text features (subheadings, bold print, captions, photographs, diagrams) to find answers to your questions.
    • Use a graphic organizer, note cards or a notebook to record needed information.
    • Take notes - record only important words or phrases. (Do not copy the author's words!)
    • Record bibliographic information for sources used. (author, title, publisher, copyright, etc.)

    Organize Information  

    • Arrange the information from multiple sources in logical order. (an outline, sequence your note cards, color code notes)
    • Go back to your questions. What information best answers the questions?
    • Jot down answers to your questions.
    • Summarize your notes.
    • Draw conclusions and inferences.

    Publish and Present  

    • Choose the best format to communicate your information or follow the rubric for the assignment.
    • Apply the information learned:
      1. Compose the first draft of a paragraph, essay , letter, report. (Use the writing process: draft, revise, edit, final copy)
      2. Create a brochure, display, database, poster, multimedia presentation, mural, spreadsheet or video.
      3. Include a bibliography.  
       
    • Present new knowledge to an audience.

    Evaluate  

    • Did I use the research process ? What would I do differently next time?
    • Does the project meet the criteria? Did I do my best work?
    • Does the product present the information clearly?

    The next time you are assigned a report, research project, or just want to learn something new - - - -


    think AGOPE !


    The Research Song

    These words may be sung to the tune of Day O (The Banana Boat Song)
    by Harry Belafonte

    AGOPE – A, G, O, P, E Research time, and it's gonna be fun.  

    The first step in AGOPE is to ask a question.
    Research time, and it's gonna be fun.

    The second step in AGOPE is to gather information.
    Research time, and it's gonna be fun.

    The third step in AGOPE is to organize your data.
    Research time, and it's gonna be fun.

    The fourth step in AGOPE is to publish and present it.
    Research time, and it's gonna be fun.

    The last step in AGOPE is evaluate.
    Research time, and it's gonna be fun.  

    What didn't work, and what went great!
    Research time, and it's gonna be fun.  

    AGOPE – A, G, O, P, E
    Research time, and it's gonna be fun.      

    Lyrics adapted from P. Dougherty/Woodfield ES by Lorraine Brunn/OES/02

    Visit Other Libraries . . . Without Leaving our Media Center

    "Knowledge is free at the library. Just bring your own container."    - Unknown