Psychiatry

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".

The information Literate person can--

• 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

A key component of Information Literacy is the critical evaluation of resources. The California State University at Chico created a memorable list of criteria by which to question and evaluate any information source. They are -

• Currency-- the timeliness of the information
• Relevance-- the importance of the information for your information needs
• Authority-- the source of the information
• Accuracy-- the reliabilty, truthfulness, and correctness of the content
• Purpose-- the reason the information exists