CH 6: Research & Information Literacy

Research

Performing research is the process of investigation and the discovery of information. It requires the skills of gathering information, deciding what is important, and writing about it for someone else, which is extremely valuable as both a student and a technical communicator. Developing solid research skills will stay with you for the rest of your life.

The purpose of research is to increase knowledge, and so even the very best writing and information is useless if you cannot effectively communicate it to your audience. Additionally, writing helps clarify your thinking and improve your research. Once you have identified a problem or topic you’re interested in, you should begin gathering information to help you answer questions you have encountered along the way.

Information Literacy

Information literacy can be defined as the ability to identify, find, evaluate, and use information effectively. From effective search strategies to evaluation techniques, information-literate communicators know how to evaluate the quality, credibility, and validity of articles, books, and websites, and give proper credit. Information literacy is sometimes also referred to as “digital literacy” or “media literacy.” Regardless of the terminology, information literacy skills are fundamental to thrive as a communicator.

Here’s a brief video introducing information literacy from USC Upstate Library:

The LBCC Library provides many helpful resources. LBCC librarians are happy to provide instruction in information literacy, research skills, and the use of library tools at the Albany campus, online, and all LBCC Centers. The LBCC Library databases are also excellent places to begin your research.

Watch the following video from LBCC’s Librarians:

"Information Literacy." Uploaded by USCUpstateLibrary. 30 Aug. 2017, Youtube.com.