Information Literacy Tutorial  Tags: gen_ed tutorial information_literacy  

Do you have a  question about this tutorial or the quiz? Ask us by "chat."

This site is designed to serve as your starting point for USM information literacy instruction.

So, what IS information literacy? "Information literacy is 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," (ACRL). 

Wow! Sounds boring, right? After all, isn't Google all you need?

While Google or Wikipedia may seem like a fast, easy way to find books and articles for class assignments, there are many other sources that will prove worthwhile. The text and online tutorials provided on this site will provide you with a basic explanation, and should make your college research experience easier and more productive.

The tabs at the top of this page are numbered. Please complete the series in the order in which they are displayed. The short pre- and post-tests will help assess whether you learned the material presented. 

This instruction is designed to serve only as a starting point. Your instructor will schedule at least one live class session with a USM Librarian. He or she will expand upon the instruction you receive here.

You will learn from this instruction that NOT all sources are equal, and that it can be a relatively quick, simple, and even enjoyable process to find good sources that USM instructors will accept.

Now, click on the Introduction tab at the top.

USM Reference Sources
(must have activated library barcode to access)

• Britannica Online
• Credo Reference
• Gale Virtural Reference Library
• Oxford English Dictionary
• Oxford Reference Online
• American National Biography Online

Reliable Internet Sources

• BUBL
• Librarian's Index to the Internet
• Open Directory Project
• Refdesk.com
• Virtual Reference Shelf