Definition of Information Competency
Information competency, sometimes referred to as information literacy, consists of the ability to locate, evaluate and ethically use the information that satisfies an information need. College of San Mateo embraces the information competency position statement set forth by the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) which is derived from the Information Literacy Competency Standards for Higher Education issued by the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL).
- Community college students must be information literate learners who can:
- Determine the extent of information needed
- Access the needed information effectively and efficiently
- Evaluate information and its sources critically
- Incorporate selected information into one's knowledge base
- Use information effectively to accomplish a specific purpose
- Understand the economic, legal, and social issues surrounding the use of information, and access and use information ethically and legally
How to Satisfy the CSM Information Competency Graduation Requirement
Students with catalog rights beginning Fall 2010 must satisfy the new Information Competency requirement prior to graduation. The information competency requirement can be satisfied by one of the following options:
- A grade of C (or higher) or P in one of the following CSM courses: BUSW 530, DGME 100, DGME 102, or LIBR 100. Additional courses may be approved in the future.
- A Passing score of 70% or higher on the CSM Information Competency Proficiency Exam. The exam can only be attempted once. Upcoming exam dates are:
- Thursday, June 28, 2012: 2:10 - 3:30pm Waitlist Only
- Wednesday, September 12, 2012: 5:10 - 6:30pm
- Tuesday, September 18, 2012: 9:30 - 11:00am
- Friday, September 28, 2012: 1:10 - 2:30pm
Sign up for an upcoming exam here.
Prepare for the exam with our Information Competency Research Guide which includes available online tutorials.
- Earning a grade of C (or higher) or P in LSCI 100 at Skyline College or LIBR 100 at Cañada College.
- Earning a grade of C (or higher) or P in an equivalent course taken outside of the SMCCCD that meets the College of San Mateo Standard for Information Competency.