INFORMATION LITERACY RUBRIC
Achievement
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Accessing Information
Paper uses appropriate variety
of print and electronic sources
such as magazines, journals,
newspapers, internet, etc.
Assesses information using
effective, well-designed
search strategies and most
appropriate information
sources.
Effectively defines the scope
of the research question or
thesis. Effectively determines
key concepts. Types of
information (sources) selected
directly relate to concepts or
answer research question.
Paper uses a variety of sources
and search strategies but may
favor print over electronic
sources (or vice versa).
Paper uses the same or limited
types of sources. Simple
search strategies used to
retrieve information.
Source material used is all the
same medium. Information
retrieved lacks relevance and
quality.
Defines the scope of the
research question or thesis
incompletely (parts are
missing, remains too broad or
too narrow, etc.). Can
determine key concepts.
Types of information
(sources) selected partially
relate to concepts or answer
research question.
Most sources are current,
The majority of sources may
unbiased, informative and
not be current, may be biased
reliable
in language or viewpoint;
author or organization may
not be reliable
All sources are acknowledged; Summary or paraphrase not
minor errors in documentation documented; quoted material
or bibliographic format
may be presented as summary
or paraphrase; major errors in
documentation and
bibliographic format
Meets almost all of the
Does not meet several of the
following assignment
following assignment
requirements:
requirements:
Has difficulty defining the
scope of the research question
or thesis. Has difficulty
determining key concepts.
Types of information
(sources) selected do not
relate to concepts or answer
research question.
Determine the Extent of
Information Needed
Evaluating Source
Material
Uses sources that are current,
informative, and written by a
reliable author or
organization.
Incorporating Source
Material (format and
ethical use of sources)
Uses correct documentation
and bibliographic format
(such as MLA and APA style)
for all borrowed materials
Discipline- or
Assignment-Specific
Requirements
(as determined by the instructor; the
instructor will list the specific
requirements in each box)
Meets all of the following
assignment requirements:
Defines the scope of the
research question or thesis
completely. Determines key
concepts. Types of
information (sources) selected
relate to concepts or answer
research question.
None of the sources used are
current, unbiased, or reliable
No evidence of documentation
in paper; bibliographic
information not included
Does not meet most or any of
the following assignment
requirements: