INFORMATION LITERACY MODELS: LECTURE SUMMARY

 

OVERVIEW OF INFORMATION LITERACY MODELS

Information literacy has evolved through several conceptual models developed to help learners systematically identify, access, evaluate, and use information effectively. These models emerged in response to changes in educational practice, information systems, and the growing complexity of information environments. Among the most influential information literacy models are the Big6 Information Skills, Seven Pillars of Information Literacy, Pathways to Knowledge, PLUS Model, and Seven Faces of Information Literacy. In this write-up, we will focus on the Big6 model.

Big6 Information Skills Model

Historical Background
The Big6 Information Skills Model was developed in the late 1980s by Mike Eisenberg and Bob Berkowitz in the United States. It was designed as a practical, problem-solving framework to integrate information literacy into teaching and learning across disciplines.

The Six Logical Steps of the Big6 Model

1. Task Definition
This first step involves clearly identifying the information problem. Learners define what is being asked and determine the type and amount of information required. A clear task definition ensures that information seeking is purposeful and focused.

2. Information Seeking Strategies
At this stage, learners identify all possible information sources and then select the most appropriate ones. This may include books, academic journals, databases, websites, or human sources. The emphasis is on strategic thinking and informed choice.

3. Location and Access
This step focuses on locating the selected information sources and accessing the relevant information within them. Learners develop skills in using library catalogues, databases, search engines, and indexing systems to retrieve needed information efficiently.

4. Use of Information
Learners engage critically with the information by reading, viewing, or listening, and then extracting relevant content. This stage emphasizes comprehension, note-taking, and ethical use of information, including proper citation.

5. Synthesis
In this step, information from multiple sources is organized and integrated to create a final product, such as a report, presentation, or blog post. Learners combine ideas, draw conclusions, and communicate information effectively.

6. Evaluation
The final step involves judging both the product and the process. Learners assess whether the information task was successfully completed and reflect on how effectively they followed the information-seeking process. This reflective element supports continuous improvement and lifelong learning.

fig 1: The Big Six Information Skills Model (1990) 

A summary of Big 6 model.

 The video in the link on https://youtu.be/4OpGSCjueGc provides more details on the Big6 model.