Information Literacy Attributes	Elementary	Proficient	Advanced	Graduate Attributes
The information literate person…	Engages in closed inquiry with predetermined question/issue and criteria	Engages in open inquiry, within structured guidelines	Engages in open inquiry within self-determined guidelines
1. Recognises the need for information and determines the nature and extent of the information needed	Recognises the purpose of the inquiry by exploring information broadly and  identifying key concepts. Identifies appropriate source types and devises relevant search strategies.  Addresses emergent questions.	Asks research questions that are specific, answerable and guide the inquiry.  Determines nature and extent of information needed based on research questions and guiding criteria.	Asks research questions based on experience, expertise and/or literature reviews.  Determines the nature and extent of information needed to address the open inquiry.	Knowledge Problem solving
2. Finds needed information effectively and efficiently	Finds relevant multiple source types using a search strategy.	Utilises multiple source types, including primary information when possible.	Utilises multiple source types, multiple strategy searches.	Problem solving
3.  Critically evaluates information and the information-seeking process	Evaluates sources in terms of author, style and source type and recognises any information gaps. Evaluates the balance/fairness of information artefacts produced.	Evaluates sources from a critical perspective and considers if other sources should be used.  Realises information is evolutionary and non-linear.	Evaluates sources from multiple critical perspectives.  Analyses structure, logic, scope perspective and relevance of sources.	Problem solving
4. Manages information collected and generated	Utilises a system to organise sources and records all pertinent citation information for future reference and retrieval.	Utilises a reference storage/ organisation system.  Keeps references for possible future use.	Categorises kept references according to an organising framework.	Communication skills Problem solving
5. Applies prior and new information to construct new concepts or create new understandings	Develops a new line of thought that emerges from synthesis of sources.  Applies understandings to fresh contexts.  Asks rigorous, researchable questions based on new understandings.	Recognises the interrelatedness of concepts and develops theoretical or physical models.  Uses appropriate media and forms of presentation for audience/information.	Synthesises information to develop a framework of understanding or develops new hypotheses, models or research agenda.	Knowledge
6.  Uses information with understanding and acknowledges cultural, ethical, economic, legal, and social issues in the use of information	Identifies the relevance to their own inquiry of authors' positions in relation to cultural, ethical and other issues.  Cites references in text, using appropriate quoting and paraphrasing. Evaluated the balance/fairness of information products.	Incorporates differing perspectives in relation to cultural, ethical and other issues, identifying the value and belief systems underlying them.  Use a standard referencing system.  Evaluates product according to the criteria provided.	Actively seeks out a range of perspectives, critiquing the underlying belief and value systems.  Selects an appropriate referencing system.  Evaluates product according to relevant criteria.	Social responsibility Global perspective
ANZIIL (2004) Standards	J. Willison & K. O'Regan (2005) Information Literacy Framework, University of Adelaide			UTAS (2002) Generic Attributes