Information Literacy: Home

Information literacy is the ability to find, evaluate, organize, use, and communicate information in all its various formats, most notably in situations requiring decision making, problem solving, or the acquisition of knowledge. It is a combination of research skills, critical thinking skills, computer technology skills, and communication skills. Information literacy is essential for academic success, effective functioning in the workplace, and participation in society as knowledgeable citizens.

The CRAP Test

Currency

• How recent is the information?
• When was it published and/or last updated?
• Does the age of the information affect your ability to use it?

Reliability/Relevancy

• What kind of information is included?
• Is the information biased/primarily based on opinion?
• Does the information's creator provide references or data sources?
• Who is the intended audience?
• Is the information at an appropriate level (i.e., is it too elementary or too advanced)?

Authority/Accuracy

• Who is the creator/author of the information?
• What are the creator's credentials or affiliations?
• Who is the publisher of the information?
• What is the publisher's interest in this information?
• Is the creator/publisher reputable?
• Is the information supported by evidence?
• Can you verify the information by tracing its sources or through personal knowledge?

Purpose/Point of View

• Is the information factual, an opinion, or propaganda?
• Are there advertisements included alongside the information?
• Does the creator/publisher clearly state their purpose/intentions for providing the information?
• Is the purpose of the information to entertain, inform, persuade, sell, or teach?
• Does the information contain cultural, ideological, institutional, political, religious, or personal biases?