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Information Literacy in First Year Courses - Trinity University

  Beginning Developing Advanced






ACCESS
Does not show evidence of library use (physically or online).

Selects sources that suggest the use of elementary search strategies.
Shows evidence of library use (physically or online).



Selects sources that demonstrate basic searching principles.
Uses sources that are available from the library (physically or online).

Explores the searching mechanics of information resources (advanced search options, limits, controlled vocabulary).





UNDERSTAND
Confuses primary, secondary, and tertiary sources.





Uses minimal variety of sources and no experts.
May understand the difference between primary, secondary, and tertiary sources, but uses one type of source when another is available or more appropriate.

Uses some variety of sources in types.
Understands the difference between primary, secondary, and tertiary sources and uses each appropriately.


Uses a variety of sources--primary, secondary, tertiary sources.
EVALUATE Does not incorporate credible or authoritative sources.

Uses sources not relevant to topic.

Fails to recognize bias.
 
Includes mix of credible/authoritative and questionable sources.

Uses mix of relevant and irrelevant sources.

Partially recognizes and/or deals with bias
Includes only credible and authoritative sources.

Uses only sources relevant to topic.

Recognizes and deals with bias appropriately.








USE ETHICALLY

Fails to properly identify sources of information and ideas according to the standards of ethical use of intellectual property.


Does not include a functional bibliography and/or in-text citations.




Uses source material as indirect quote without adequate paraphrasing.

 
Properly identifies all sources of information and ideas according to the standards of ethical use—may be minor mistakes.



Includes a bibliography or in-text citations which may contain minor formatting errors or omissions.



Attempts to paraphrase or summarize cited material but poorly worded/rephrased.
Properly identifies all sources of information and ideas according to the standards of ethical use and intellectual property. There are no noticeable mistakes.

Bibliography and in-text citations are consistent with each other and in proper formatting for the subject area.


Effectively paraphrases or summarizes ideas/information from the cited source materials using original language.








CREATE

 
Does not develop insight, or does not include a range of sources and perspectives.

Demonstrates little or no synthesis of arguments/ideas: unable to integrate sources with each other or with one’s own argument.

Misrepresents other positions on the topic, or fails to identify or acknowledge other views.
 
Develops some insights based on some sources and perspectives.



Demonstrates some engagement with sources tending toward summary, rather than higher-level synthesis.



Represents some other positions, with varying degrees of accuracy—may fail to acknowledge some major perspectives.
Develops meaningful insights based upon variety of sources and perpectives.


Demonstrates sophisticated, level of creative, critical synthesis.




Accurately represents major/leading positions on the topic.