Information Competency

Definition:  Information Competency is the ability to recognize when information is needed, and to access, locate, evaluate, synthesize, and use and communicate information in various formats.

An information competent student should be able to:

• Recognize when information is necessary

• Access technology appropriate to his/her information needs

• Develop effective research strategies

• Locate, retrieve and use information in a variety of formats

• Critically evaluate and synthesize information

• Competently use computers and other information technology

• Use a variety of information technology tools to facilitate communication

• Understand the legal and ethical issues relating to information and its use.

This definition was recommended by the COS Campus Curriculum Committee and adopted by the College of Sequoias Academic Senate in 2001.
For questions and comments, please mail to: askalibrarian@cos.edu