This model of the information skills process is called the PLUS
model and seeks to incorporate the key elements of previous models
while adding emphasis on thinking skills and self evaluation. PLUS
incorporates the elements of Purpose, Location, Use and Self-evaluation.
The range of skills included in the PLUS model include:
Purpose
- cognitive skills in identifying existing knowledge
- thinking skills such as brainstorming or concept
- skills in identifying information resources
Location
- locational skills such as the ability to find information in
library catalogues, books, journals, CD-ROMs and online information
resources
- selection skills in assessing the relevance of information
resources
- IT skills in using electronic sources such as the Internet
Use
- reading skills including the ability to skim and scan information
resources to find relevant information or ideas
- interactive skills including the ability to understand what is
being read, viewed or listened to and the ability to relate this
to existing knowledge
- selective skills including the ability to select the appropriate
information and reject information in the context of the purpose
identified for using a particular information resource
- evaluation skills including the ability to evaluate information
and ideas in relation to aspects such as the currency of the
information or ideas, the author and any possible bias in the
text
- recording skills including the ability to take notes in a
systematic way which relates to understanding and purpose
- synthesising skills including the ability to bring together
related ideas, facts and information about a topic and relating
this to existing knowledge
- writing or presentation skills including the ability to write
an essay or report or project in a well structured, logically ordered
manner which uses the information and ideas found to good effect
Self-evaluation
- self-evaluation skills including the ability to reflect on the
processes involved in assignment-related work and to identify areas
of improvement in the effective use of information resources in the
future
Sources
- Herring, J E (1996) Teaching information skills in schools
London, Library Assocation.
- Herring, J E (1999) Exploiting the Internet as an
information resource London, Library Association.
- Herring, J E (2004) The Internet and information skills
London, Facet Publishing.