ACRL Information Literacy Competency Standards for Higher Education

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The Association of College and Research Libraries defines information literacy as “a set of abilities requiring individuals to ‘recognize when information is needed and have the ability to locate, evaluate, and use effectively the needed information.’” In promoting these skills, information literacy facilitates the process of learning how to learn.

The topics covered in Gardner-Harvey Library instruction sessions are based on the following Information Literacy Competency Standards for Higher Education established by the Association of College and Research Libraries:

  1. Determine the extent of information needed
  2. Access the needed information effectively and efficiently
  3. Evaluate information and its sources critically and incorporate selected information into one’s knowledge base
  4. Use information effectively to accomplish a specific purpose
  5. Understand the economic, legal, and social issues surounding use of information, and access and use information ethically and legally
For more information, see the The ACRL Standards: Step-by-Step page on the ACRL site.