Most of us are familiar with the term literacy. And some of you may have heard of information literacy, but are not exactly sure what information literacy is. It turns out information literacy is a distinct set of skills that gives us the ability to locate, evaluate, and use effectively the needed information. Information literacy can be divided into five separate components. Let's take a look at how each of these components applies to success in college or university and in real life. The first component is about identifying the nature and extent of the information you need. Academic examples include Writing a thesis statement, creating a timeline and plan to complete a research paper, and differentiating between primary sources of information like findings from research, and secondary sources of information like a book about the results. In the real world, the identified component shows itself as devising a search strategy to find information on buying a new home, identifying the difference between a published court decision and an article about that decision, and deciding the search for the most current information about a medical issue so you're well informed. The second component means you can find the needed information effectively and efficiently. In academia, this means you can use Boolean terms and or and not when searching online. Locate a book on the library shelves by its call number and choose the best keywords and phrases when searching online or in library databases. Outside of school, you are able to search the public archives for information on local history, request genealogical records through inner library loan, and access a government website to find local crime statistics. The ability to evaluate the information you find and its sources critically is the next component. Academic examples include reviewing multiple points of view to construct your own opinion, exploring different sources of information like books, databases, periodicals in the internet to understand a topic, and the ability to analyze the structure and logic of arguments made in lectures and speeches. In the real world, you can research the claims made in political ads on television, scrutinize a Wikipedia article for accuracy, and check a website to make sure it is updated regularly and has current information. The fourth component is about applying information effectively to accomplish a specific purpose. In an educational environment, you can paraphrase an expert to support a position in a persuasive speech, integrate a direct quotation from an article into a research paper, and download an image from a database and then incorporate it into a visual presentation. Away from the educational environment, you are able to develop a market survey based on gaps you identify by reviewing studies, reference experts to support a point during a discussion, and communicate the findings of a patent search to potential investors. The final component of information literacy is to acknowledge the sources of information you use. To do this well, you must understand the ethical, legal, and socio-economic issues surrounding information. In the College of University, you can show your understanding by creating a work cited bibliography or reference list, understanding what constitutes plagiarism, and utilizing copyright, creative comments, public domain, and fair use guidelines. Outside of the College of University, you will give attribution or credit to a reposted image on your website, recognize the limits and protections of free speech and censorship, and know how to download legally purchased music. In summary, the information literate person can identify, find, evaluate, apply, and acknowledge information.