Information Literacy and Communication

Work to learn “information-literacy” skills. These skills include the abilities to find, evaluate, and use information. They are important not only for college but also for your career because you will be working in the information economy, which uses and produces information.

Become comfortable in your campus library. Use it as a place to read, relax, study, or just be by yourself.

Accept that research projects and papers are part of college life. Learn how to do them well. Doing so will teach you how to “research” the information you need in life after college. After all, modern professional life is one big term paper after another!

Get to know your college librarians. They are eager to help you find the information you need. Ask them for help, even if they look busy. If possible, get to know one as your personal “library consultant.”

Early in your college career, take courses that require you to do research and use your library skills. Yes, these will demand more of you, especially in writing, but you will be thankful for them later. Go ahead, bite the bullet.

Learn about as many new electronic sources as possible. You must be able to do research and seek the information you need now and after college by doing more than using Google or Wikipedia.

When you use the ideas of others, be sure to give them credit; then create your own unique synthesis and conclusions. Someday you will create your own “intellectual property,” and you will want others to give you credit for your ideas.

Take the time and effort to develop your writing and speaking skills. Effective writing and speaking are skills for success in college and in life after college. They are skills that employers seek in all their employees.

Learn and practice the three distinct steps of the writing process. Prewriting, drafting, and revising are separate steps. Going through each step will improve the finished product. Ask for feedback on your writing. Accepting criticism and praise will make you a better writer.

Learn and practice the guidelines for effective speaking. Clarify your objective, analyze your audience, organize your presentation, choose appropriate visual aids, prepare your notes, and practice delivery. Pay attention to word choice and pronunciation, give your presentation, and request feedback from someone in your audience.