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Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education: Frame: Information Creation as a Process

Overview and advice for using the Framework

Framework Defined

Information Creation as a Process refers to the understanding that the purpose, message, and delivery of information are intentional acts of creation. Recognizing the nature of information creation, experts look to the underlying processes of creation as well as the final product to critically evaluate the usefulness of the information.

In earlier drafts of the Framework this was referred to as called Format as a Process

Visual Overview

Alignment with 2000 ACRL Standards

Standard Four: The information literate student, individually or as a member of a group, uses information effectively to accomplish a specific purpose.

From: Hovious, Amanda. “Alignment Charts for ACRL Standards and Proposed Framework.” Google Docs, January 23, 2015.

Key Aspects

  • Search engines and library databases are organized and work differently.
  • Information works through a cycle and evolves over time.
  • Presentation is everything. How information is presented impacts how it is interpreted.
  • One can obtain information in different ways.
  • Format depends on the audience.
  • Academic publishing follows a discipline-specific format and process.
  • Evaluate information before you use it.

Possible Learning Objectives

  • Understand how search engines and library systems organize and collect materials for discovery and access.
  • Explain how information is produced and distributed (the information cycle).
  • Identify the variety of information formats, articulating their purposes and distinguishing characteristics.
  • Distinguish between format and method of access, understanding that these are separate entities.
  • Choose the appropriate information format to meet the particular information need.
  • Recognize information formats which are unique to the academic context.
  • Evaluate information with set criteria (i.e. the CRAAP test.).

Classroom Activities

ACRL IL Framework Task Force

Private Academic Library Network of Indiana logo

This guide was created by a task force of PALNI librarians. 

Task Force Members:
Eric Bradley | Goshen College / PALNI
David Dunham | [formerly] Taylor University
Sally Neal | Butler University
Amber Pavlina | University of Saint Francis

Literature Review

Creative Commons License

Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education by PALNI's ACRL IL Framework Task Force is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License unless marked otherwise. PALNI’s logos and branding template are not covered by this license, and all rights to such material are reserved.