Information Literacy: Information Literacy Framework: First Year Students

Supporting First-Year Students: Information Literacy Guidelines

The PNW Librarians have developed Information Literacy Guidelines by following the ACRL Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education to help first-year students build essential research and critical thinking skills. We invite faculty and departments to partner with us in integrating these goals into your courses and supporting student success from the start.

Our Goals for First-Year Students:

Apply Critical Thinking

• Identify information needs and appropriate resources
• Evaluate the credibility and purpose of information
• Assess how sources connect and support arguments

Understand & Locate Information

• Recognize different source types (scholarly, popular, etc.)
• Navigate access to various information formats
• Understand publishing and peer review processes

Use Effective Search Strategies

• Apply diverse tools and methods
• Understand the strengths and limits of search platforms
• Recognize research as an evolving process

Recognize Information Has Value

• Practice academic integrity and proper citation
• Understand access, privilege, and ethical use of information

Let’s work together to embed these skills into your curriculum.
Contact your Subject Librarian to get started.