Even if you're not familiar with the term information literacy, you are likely familiar with the concept. At its core, 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'” (American Library Association).
But what does that mean for students in an academic library, and why should you care? Throughout your time at Smith, you will be asked to do research in your classes (and beyond). No matter what discipline you're studying, your research will require you to find information, and evaluate whether it is reliable or relevant to your work. Here at Smith College Libraries, we are committed to educating you on information literacy, so you can partake in compassionate and critical research. On this page, you will find some information on how you can develop these skills, while also providing important context.
While you may have learned how to determine if a source is reliable in high school, that determination can look a little different as you begin to embark on college-level research. The resources here can assist you as you evaluate resources both here in the library and more broadly online.
Below, you will find some methods for evaluating resources.
Information literacy, as seen on this page, is often guided by the concept of experts in any given subject. Determining who is an expert can look different across various fields or needs.
For example, an expert in psychology could be someone with a relevant PhD, or with a great deal of clinical experience. An expert in Studio Art could have a Bachelors or Masters Degree in the field, but they could also be an artist who has had their art featured in galleries and museums. Context is everything when determining who is an "expert"
However, academia does not always value the expertise of those from marginalized communities. Sometimes the systems and literature around evaluating information value the voice of someone who has studied a community more than the voice of someone from that community.
When utilizing the resources on this page, it's important to acknowledge not only the perspective and experiences of these communities, but also the established epistemologies and knowledge of them. The tab "Relevant Readings" will cover topics related to epistemologies and knowledge systems of various cultures and communities.
Sophia Smith Collection researchers, circa 1975, Box 30.1, Smith College Special Collections records, Smith College Archives, Smith College Special Collections.
Below you will find books related to epistemologies, knowledge systems, and methodologies from different cultures and communities.
Below you will find articles related to epistemologies, knowledge systems, and methodologies from different cultures and communities.