SKIL, Stanford's Key to Information Literacy, has once again been improved with the re-arrangement and update of content, and completion of all graphics. Completing SKIL improves a student's ability to locate and use information needed for classes and research.
After the brief introduction and definition of Information and Communication Technology Literacy, Module I begins with Searching Socrates so that students immediately have a hands-on experience. The second module on Selecting Sources introduces the concept of peer reviewed, primary resources and using sources appropriate for the subject. The third module is devoted specifically to Databases, guiding the user to find journal articles in a live database. Module 4 (unchanged) on Locating explains call numbers, how to read a record to understand what journal issues Stanford owns, and how to find Course Reserves. Module 5 about The Web discusses various search engines, ranking, and how material on the web differs from that in the library. The last module (also unchanged) entitled Use Criteria, teaches evaluating resources, how to avoid plagiarism, and Fair Use.
The Databases Module explains how the FindIt @ Stanford menu changes according to what Stanford owns or has access to and in what format. Since the interactive part of this module could not be used without a SUNet ID, a textual version with screen shots was created.
To access the tutorial, just type skil in your browser. If you're accessing it from off-campus, type http://skil.stanford.edu/. The tutorial is open to anyone, however the emphasis is on Stanford's resources.
