"Information resources reflect their creators’ expertise and credibility, and are evaluated based on the information need and the context in which the information will be used. Authority is constructed in that various communities may recognize different types of authority. It is contextual in that the information need may help to determine the level of authority required." ACRL Framework
Learners who are developing their information literate abilities do the following:
Define different types of authority, such as subject expertise (e.g., scholarship), societal position (e.g., public office or title), or special experience (e.g., participating in a historic event).
Peer Review- Christina Heady & Joshua Vossler, Southern Illinois University Carbondale, 2016
Political Internet Literacy- Jennifer Schwartz, DePaul University, 2016
Locating Academic Sources, Heather Jagman, Depaul University, 2013
Use research tools and indicators of authority to determine the credibility of sources, understanding the elements that might temper this credibility.
An Amazing Library Race for First-Year Music Majors- Anne Shelley, Illinois State University, 2019
Political Internet Literacy- Jennifer Schwartz, DePaul University, 2016
Source Evaluation Quiz- Kimberly Shotick, Northeastern Illinios University, 2015
Attribution Decay, Christina Heady, Southern Illinois University, 2014
Creating Embedded Content- Cynthia Kremer, Benedictine University, 2014
Locating Academic Sources, Heather Jagman, DePaul University, 2013
Understand that many disciplines have acknowledged authorities in the sense of well-known scholars and publications that are widely considered standard. Even in those situations, some scholars would challenge the authority of those sources.
Recognize that authoritative content may be packaged formally or informally and may include sources of all media types.
An Amazing Library Race for First-Year Music Majors- Anne Shelley, Illinois State University, 2019
Information Beyond College- Cathy Troupos and Josh Avery, Wheaton College, 2019
Attribution Decay, Christina Heady, Southern Illinois University, 2014
Research Environments- Crystal Boyce, Illinois Wesleyan University, 2014
Locating Academic Sources, Heather Jagman, DePaul University, 2013
Source Evaluation: Context and Appropriateness- Laura Mondt, Richland Community College, 2013
Acknowledge they are developing their own authoritative voices in a particular area and recognize the responsibilities this entails, including seeking accuracy and reliability, respecting intellectual property, and participating in communities of practice.
Understand the increasingly social nature of the information ecosystem where authorities actively connect with one another and sources develop over time.
Information Beyond College- Cathy Troupos and Josh Avery, Wheaton College, 2019