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Syracuse University Libraries

Research Process: Getting Started: About

A guide to assist students in conducting research using the wide variety of information sources available to them.

About This Guide

The Research Process: Getting Started is intended to assist students in conducting research using the wide variety of information sources available to them. This guide is based on the "Information Literacy Competency Standards for Higher Education" from the Association of College & Research Libraries (ACRL). Information literacy refers to "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, 2003). This set of abilities includes:

  • Determine the extent of information needed
  • Access the needed information effectively and efficiently
  • Evaluate information and its sources critically
  • Incorporate selected information into one’s knowledge base
  • Use information effectively to accomplish a specific purpose
  • Understand the economic, legal, and social issues surrounding the use of information, and access and use information ethically and legally

 

This guide is organized into five sections relating to phases of the research process.

References

ACRL (2003). "Information Literacy Competency Standards for Higher Education." Association of College & Research Libraries. Accessed 26 March 2004 http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/acrl/standards/informationliteracycompetency.cfm

Acknowledgements

This web guide was written with the assistance of former SU Library interns, Jennifer Jasinski and Alissa Lauzon, from the Syracuse University School of Information Studies in 2003 and 2004.