Information Literacy Level

Assessment level SCQF Level 7 / SHE level 1, Cert HE, HNC, Advanced Higher

General skill

Using information literacy skills and competences effectively and ethically to independently undertake a piece of research

Example of level of task 

Specific skills[1]

Ability to:

• plan and organise an information task
• use a range of techniques to clearly define the selected information topic
• identify of appropriate keywords
• identify of suitable information sources
• search selected information sources effectively to find relevant information on topic
• evaluate information using evaluation criteria
• review search results and identify appropriate changes for a similar future search
• manage findings
• communicate findings
• use information found ethically and responsibly

Further information:

• Sources of  information used should include print, electronic and people
• The information may be textual, numerical, graphical, images, audio or video.
• Recognised techniques to clearly define the selected information topic could include brainstorming and mind mapping.
• The person should be able to work with minimum support.
• The management of their findings may be electronically or in print.

If the person is to be assessed then they must:

• use a range of sources of information from the following categories – electronic, people and printed sources
• know the advantages and disadvantages of using different information sources
• know the criteria used to evaluate information
• know and understand the ethics and responsible use of information
• communicate / share findings in a manner or format that is appropriate to the information, the intended audience and situation.

Assessment level                                                                              SCQF Level 7 / SHE level 1, Cert HE, HNC, Advanced Higher

[1] The skills are based upon SQA’s Information Handling Skills National Qualification and CILIP’s Information Literacy definition