What key skill does the library media specialist aim to develop in students regarding information literacy?

The library media specialist's primary goal in developing students' information literacy skills centers on accessing and documenting information ethically. This skill encompasses understanding how to locate, evaluate, and use information from a variety of sources responsibly and legally. Emphasizing ethical practices in information usage ensures that students respect copyright laws, give proper credit to original authors, and recognize the importance of intellectual property.

This focus on ethical information handling prepares students for both academic integrity and future professional environments, where ethical conduct in research and sourcing is crucial. While memorizing facts, creating visual aids, and compiling resource lists are valuable skills, they do not encapsulate the comprehensive approach to responsible information literacy that is necessary for navigating today’s information-rich society.