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Information Literacy: Home

An overview of the help that we can offer to support your studies and research

Self Enrolment to the LIBRARY SPECTRUM PAGE

Before joining any of our ONLINE Information Skills Sessions, we recommend that you self-enrolled into our Library SPECTRUM page.

(This is only applicable to those with access to UM SPECTRUM)

This is so that you can:

1. Have access to all the notes for referral before and after each topic.

2. Have access to various manuals and tips on using the instructed platforms

3. Have access to announcements or updates in regards to research requirements that are informed to the Library.

So please follow the steps below:

1. Log-in into UM SPECTRUM @ https://spectrum.um.edu.my/

2. Click on COURSES

3. Type XGPG0001 in the search box

4. Click on the Class titled "XGPG0001 Sesi Kemahiran Maklumat (Information Skills Session)"

5. Scroll down and you will see and Enrolment box, type in "SKM"

6. You are now enrolled in. This activity is only required to be done once for each student.

Synopsis of Course Contents

This course will develop student information management skills so that they can become effective and efficient users of information. These essential skills will contribute to the academic success as well as create a foundation for lifelong learning. Therefore, this course focus on the strategic use of information and references sources in various format. Evaluation of information obtained and the preparation of reference list is also emphasized.

Schedule Information Skills Class

UM Library are committed to helping all users become more information literate. Librarians lead information literacy library instruction sessions using best practices in effective and engaged teaching, and relate content directly to student learning outcomes.

To schedule information literacy sessions for your students, please contact person in-charge at Information Skills Division

Information Skills Session Registration Tutorial

Introduction

This guide has a dual purpose. If you are interested in Information Literacy (IL) because you are studying it as part of Library & Information Management, then you will find useful links, resources and information. If you are a staff member or student of the University of Malaya, you will see what we can offer to you in terms of workshops, advice and support. You can also learn about the importance of Information Literacy as a life skill for your academic work and future career advancements.

What is Information Literacy?​

Information literacy forms the basis for lifelong learning. It is common to all disciplines, to all learning environments, and to all levels of education. It enables learners to master content and extend their investigations, become more self-directed, and assume greater control over their own learning. An information literate individual is able to:

  • Determine the extent of information needed
  • Access the needed information effectively and efficiently
  • Evaluate information and its sources critically
  • Use information effectively to accomplish a specific purpose

How will I use Information Literacy Skills?

To become lifelong learners, we need to know not just how to learn, but how to teach ourselves.  We must acquire the skills necessary to be independent, self-directed learners.  An information literate person should be able to: 

  • Identify information needs and determine the extent of information needed.  Clearly and concisely define the question to be answered, and realize that the question may evolve.
  • Locate and retrieve appropriate sources of information. 
    • Understand the structure of information: how is it produced, disseminated, organized, cataloged, stored, and retrieved, and how these factors vary by discipline.  For example, how do scholars or professionals keep up to date in and contribute to their field.
    • Use indexes and other search tools effectively and efficiently to find specific resources (e.g., select appropriate tools, formulate search strategies, use appropriate search techniques, evaluate results)
  • Evaluate information and its sources critically.
    • Understand different types of sources and formats, and how to use them.
      Evaluate the relevance and reliability of the information retrieved.
  • Synthesize the information retrieved, integrate it into one's current knowledge base, and successfully apply it to the original information need.
  • Present this newly acquired knowledge so that others can use it. 
    • Determine the audience's needs and the best presentation format; know the standards and criteria for presenting information in the relevant subject/field/discipline.
    • Properly cite sources: direct the audience to sources of further information and acknowledge one's sources.​
  • Translate these abilities and concepts to new projects and disciplines