The "Big6™" is copyright © (1987) Michael B. Eisenberg and Robert E. Berkowitz. For more information, visit:

What You Need to Know: Information Overload More new information has been produced since World War II than in the last 5000 years. The New York Times has more printed information in one day than anyone would encounter in a lifetime during the 17 th Century. There are thousands of sites on almost any topic on the Internet. To review one topic thoroughly could take a few years! Eisenberg, Mike. Information Literacy: The Whole Enchilada. March 2004.

Why the Big6? It’s the most widely known and used information literacy model. It has problem-solving applications and can be used by students and adults alike. It can be used for school, personal, or business situations and is easily adaptable to your specific needs! The "Big6™" is copyright © (1987) Michael B. Eisenberg and Robert E. Berkowitz. For more information, visit:

How does the Big6 work? 1. Task Definition 2. Information Seeking Strategies 3. Location and Access 4. Use of Information 5. Synthesis 6. Evaluation The "Big6™" is copyright © (1987) Michael B. Eisenberg and Robert E. Berkowitz. For more information, visit:

Task Definition 1.1 Define the information problem What are you supposed to do? What problem do you need to solve? How much time do I have to complete this project? What will your finished product look like? The "Big6™" is copyright © (1987) Michael B. Eisenberg and Robert E. Berkowitz. For more information, visit:

Task Definition 1.2 Identify information needed What information do you need in order to complete the assignment? How much information do you need? What background reading should you do? How can you narrow your topic for a better focus? What essential questions do you need to answer? The "Big6™" is copyright © (1987) Michael B. Eisenberg and Robert E. Berkowitz. For more information, visit:

Information Seeking Strategies 2.1 Determine all possible sources List all sources that will help you answer your research questions. Consider library books, Grolier Online (subscription database), POWER Library, the Internet, interviews, observation, and surveys. Prioritize your sources. Identify relevant keywords and Boolean operators. Identify helpful indexes. The "Big6™" is copyright © (1987) Michael B. Eisenberg and Robert E. Berkowitz. For more information, visit:

2.2 Select the best sources Use pathfinders as a guide if provided. Search DESTINY for books. Search Grolier Online and POWER Library for magazines, reference materials, pictures, and primary resources. Search the Internet for additional information. Repeat steps when necessary. Ask your teacher or librarian for help when needed. Information Seeking Strategies The "Big6™" is copyright © (1987) Michael B. Eisenberg and Robert E. Berkowitz. For more information, visit:

Location & Access 3.1 Locate sources Figure out where each resource is and write its location beside each source. Make a list of keywords -- synonyms and words related to the topic -- that will help you find information. Search using Grolier Online or Power Library. List URL addresses, including passwords, for possible web sites. The "Big6™" is copyright © (1987) Michael B. Eisenberg and Robert E. Berkowitz. For more information, visit:

Location & Access 3.2 Find information within sources Use resources recommended by your teacher and librarian first to save time and ensure that information will be relevant and reliable. Use keywords to search DESTINY, Grolier Online, POWER Library and Internet, as well as to access information in books using the index. Keep a list of sources to use for your Works Cited page. The "Big6™" is copyright © (1987) Michael B. Eisenberg and Robert E. Berkowitz. For more information, visit:

Use of Information 4.1 Engage in the source. Read, view, listen or examine all sources. Evaluate your sources for relevance, authority and currency. Use the table of contents and index to guide you to relevant information. Use subheadings and topic sentences to find the information you need more quickly and easily. The "Big6™" is copyright © (1987) Michael B. Eisenberg and Robert E. Berkowitz. For more information, visit:

Use of Information 4.2 Extract relevant information Read, view, listen for facts and concepts. Extract information relevant to your research questions. Take notes using a structured format such as a graphic organizer or note cards. Collect enough information to satisfy your research needs. Record bibliographic information for all of your sources. The "Big6™" is copyright © (1987) Michael B. Eisenberg and Robert E. Berkowitz. For more information, visit:

Synthesis 5.1 Organize information from multiple sources Make connections to what you already know. Integrate the notes you took using an outline, storyboard, graphic organizer, Inspiration. Compare and contrast. Make inferences from what you discover. Draw conclusions of your own from what you have read, viewed, heard, and examined. Include your references for your Works Cited page. The "Big6™" is copyright © (1987) Michael B. Eisenberg and Robert E. Berkowitz. For more information, visit:

Synthesis 5.2 Present the information If a choice is provided, consider what format is appropriate to communicate your findings. Develop a thesis statement based on the findings of your research. Follow your teacher's guidelines or rubric to communicate your findings. Organize, summarize and present the main ideas and supporting details from your research. The "Big6™" is copyright © (1987) Michael B. Eisenberg and Robert E. Berkowitz. For more information, visit:

Evaluation 6.1 Judge the product (effectiveness) Before turning in your assignment, compare it to the requirements that your teacher gave you. Did you do everything and include all that was required for the assignment? Did you answer all of your research questions? Did you give credit to all of your sources, written in the format your teacher requested? Is your work complete? Would you be proud for anyone to view this work? The "Big6™" is copyright © (1987) Michael B. Eisenberg and Robert E. Berkowitz. For more information, visit:

Evaluation 6.2 Judge the process (efficiency) What did you learn that you can use again? How will you use the research skills in the future? What did you do well this time? What would you do differently next time? What information sources did you find most useful? The "Big6™" is copyright © (1987) Michael B. Eisenberg and Robert E. Berkowitz. For more information, visit: