Learning and Teaching in Practice/Getting started/Managing information

In this section, guidance on searching for digital information (access), managing it (interpret) and creating new information sources (create) is outlined using a series of online information literacy modules. To understand how to use and share digital information effectively, we suggest you start with working through the scenario in the.

Later on you will explore other modules and learn important skills for accessing, using and managing information effectively.

Copyright and plagiarism
When accessing and using information it is essential that we understand how to respect intellectual property (IP). This belongs automatically to any works that are created. Works can be in the form of writing, images, video, audio, diagrams, music, art etc. Authors vary in the copyright licenses that they assign to their works. It is always courteous to acknowledge the original author where possible, that is, to give attribution to their work. Acknowledgement is essential whether quoting what they say, rewording it or taking a copy (if this is allowable) and using it in another way.

Licensing of works


 * Material in the Public Domain can be freely used and re-worked.
 * Creative Commons licences - variety of open licence options for sharing creative works.
 * All rights reserved (no-reuse allowed without permission) - default position of copyright law.

Searching for information
Your assessment portfolio will need to include references to literature, so it's essential that you are are able to find relevant materials to support what you write. And because we are all busy, we need to be able to search efficiently to avoid wasting time.

Evaluating information
The Internet provides us with easy access to an enormous range of information - but unfortunately not all of it is very good quality! In fact, some is so poor that relying on it in your assessment work will seriously harm the value of what you write.

Essay writing
Accessing and managing information when writing an essay or other piece is an art in itself.

Managing references
When referring to the literature, it's important that you correctly and methodically cite and reference everything you have used. Finding the right tool to manage all your references will save you a lot of time and help you avoid leaving anything you've used out of the reference list.

Handy tools
Here are some tools that can help you in managing information sources.