Information Literacy and Inquiry
What the domain tests
Information Literacy and Inquiry tests how students question, search, evaluate, synthesize, create, and share knowledge ethically. Expect questions on inquiry models, AASL standards, source evaluation, media literacy, academic integrity, and assessment of process.
Core rules and concepts
- AASL's Shared Foundations are Inquire, Include, Collaborate, Curate, Explore, and Engage; the domains are Think, Create, Share, and Grow. Use them to frame lessons, not as labels to memorize.
- Inquiry begins with a compelling question and moves through investigation, synthesis, creation, and reflection. The librarian teaches the process, not just the product.
- Evaluate sources with multiple strategies: authority, purpose, evidence, currency, bias, and lateral reading. SIFT (Stop, Investigate, Find better coverage, Trace claims) supports web evaluation.
- Teach ethical use as more than citation format: quoting, paraphrasing, copyright, fair use, and image permissions.
- Assess formatively with research logs, conferences, annotated sources, and drafts. Co-plan with teachers so inquiry is embedded in content.
Worked example
A student finds a polished website claiming a local election was fraudulent. Reasoning: stop and lateral-read to see who runs the site and what reputable outlets say; check the author, evidence, dates, and whether the claim is repeated by independent sources. The student then revises the research question and seeks official election data. The lesson targets evaluation, not just finding.
Traps that cost marks
Relying on a checklist alone; equating inquiry with a topical report; teaching citation as formatting only; doing the search for students; ignoring reflection and process assessment.