Library Media Center

How many a man can date a new era in his life from the reading of a book  --Thoreau
 

Information Literacy

   Defining your Information Need  |  Finding Information   |   Evaluating Information   |   Using Information 

Defining your Information Need
NARROW YOUR TOPIC TO A MANAGEABLE SUBJECT; i.e., 1960's, JFK, civil rights--these can be narrowed to assassination theories, desegration, civil rights legislation, or changes in women's roles, etc.*  Length of your project may determine the topic choice.

BE FAMILIAR WITH WAYS TO NARROW YOUR TOPIC: narrow to a problem or question; narrow by place, social group, age, time, or gender.

ALWAYS KEEP THE MAIN FOCUS OF YOUR TOPIC IN MIND AT ALL TIMES . . .
Ask questions critically throughout the research process . . .
What do I know?
What do I need to know next?
Is there enough information available on this topic?
How does this idea fit in with the other information I have?
 
The size of a school library's staff and collection is the best single predicator of student achievement, outweighing school spending in general, the income and education of the parents, and the teacher-pupil ratio.  The Impact of School Library Media Centers on Academic Achievement:  White House Conference on School Libraries.