Tuesday, December 16, 2025

INFORMATION LITERACY MODEL - THE BIG6

INTRODUCTION

A model can be defined as a philosophical basis that uses well-grounded ideas to explain a phenomenon like information literacy.  Information literacy models serve as guidelines for inculcating information literacy skills to individual in formal and informal settings.

There are six information literacy models. The models are as follows:

1.     Big6 Information Skills developed by Eisenberg and Berkowitz in 1990

2.     Seven Pillars of Information Literacy developed by SCONUL Advisory Committee in 1999

3.     Pathways to Knowledge developed by Pappas and Tepe in 2002

4.     PLUS model developed by Herring in 1996

5.     Seven Faces Information Literacy developed by Bruce in 1997

6.     Information Search Process Model developed by Kuhlthau in 2004

BIG6 INFORMATION SKILLS

The model is one of the widely used information problem solving skill which is used by individual of all ages. The model was developed by Mike Eisenberg and Bob Berkowitz in the United States of America in 1990. The information inquiry involves information search with systematic use of technological tools to find, use, apply and evaluate information for specific needs and tasks. The use of technology in information searching makes the model relevant in this era of digital explosion.

BIG6 INFORMATION SKILLS STEPS

1.     Task Definition

An individual defines a problem from an information point of view. The person understands that there is need of information to solve the problem. The individual understands the need to search for the information to solve the problem.

2.     Information Seeking Strategies

Upon defining an information problem, the individual singles out information sources which are relevant in bringing about the needed information.

3.     Locating and Access

The individual locates the required information from print, non-print and electronic resources and accesses the specific information for retrieval.

4.     Use of Information

The individual engages with the selected information resources to check their relevance in resolving the information gap. Once satisfied of information resources trustworthiness, the individual then employs skills to use the information.

5.     Synthesis

The individual integrates the information with his or her own knowledge to bring about new form of the retrieved information.

6.     Evaluation

The individual assesses if the information problem solving processes has brought forth the desired information in resolving a perceived information gap.

Below is a figure summarizing the process. 

The picture illustrates that each of the stages in the information problem inquiry is iterative in nature until the relevant information is found to fill the information gap.

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