Information literacy is a survival skill in the Information Age. Instead of drowning in the abundance of information that floods their lives, information literate people know how to find, evaluate, and use information effectively to solve a particular problem or make a decision---whether the information they select comes from a computer, a book, a government agency, a film, or any number of other possible resources. Libraries, which provide a significant public access point to such information and usually at no cost, must play a key role in preparing people for the demands of today's information society. just as public libraries were once a means of education and a better life for many of the over 20 million immigrants of the late 1800s and early 1900s, they remain today as the potentially strongest and most far-reaching community resource for lifelong learning.
Citation:
"Presidential Committee on Information Literacy: Final Report", American Library Association, July 24, 2006
http://www.ala.org/acrl/publications/whitepapers/presidential (Accessed March 9, 2023)
Document ID: 106e5565-9ab9-ad94-8d9f-64962ebcde46
Visit our Primo Research Guide if you have any questions.
When you're beginning a research project, start by searching in Primo to get a general overview of what's available. Once you have a sense of your topic, move on to subject-specific databases—these are great for finding more detailed and focused information.
To make your searches more effective, try using Boolean operators:
Start with a broad search and then narrow it down as you learn more. If you already have a general idea of your topic, use a wide keyword and then adjust based on what you find.
Pay attention to the keywords and subject terms in the articles you read. These can help you come up with better search terms. If you're getting too many results, try adding more specific words to your search.
To search for an exact phrase, put it in quotation marks. For example, searching for "social media addiction" will find that exact phrase, not just the individual words.
If you're reading a long article, e-book, or webpage and want to find something quickly, press CTRL + F (or Command + F on a Mac). This opens a search box that lets you find specific words or phrases in the document.
Finally, remember to keep your writing clear, formal, and informative when working on research assignments. Good research is not just about finding information—it's about communicating it well.
If you need more, check our advanced guide to Database Search Tips.
