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Finding Information

Information has Value

Creation of information and products derived from information requires a commitment of time, original thought, and resources that need to be respected by those seeking to use these products, or create their own based on the work of others. In addition, information may be valued more or less highly based on its creator, its audience/consumer, or its message.

Information has value means you: 

  • Give credit to the original ideas of others through proper attribution and citation.
  • Recognize the meaning of intellectual property in the United States.
  • Understand that intellectual property is a social construct that varies by culture.
  • Articulate the purpose and distinguishing characteristics of copyright, open access, and public domain.
  • Know how to find open access materials.
  • Differentiate between the production of original information and remixing or repurposing open resources.
  • Manage your online presence(s) responsibly.
  • Decide where your information, as knowledge creator, should be published.
According to the Association of College & Research Libraries:
"Information possesses several dimensions of value, including as a commodity, as a means of education, as a means to influence, and as a means of negotiating and understanding the world. Legal and socioeconomic interests influence information production and dissemination."
This Research Guide is meant to assist in understanding the value of information; how data, information & knowledge differ; what variety of sources are available, what peer review means, and how to read a scholarly article.  Use the purple tabs on the left to navigate to various topics. 

Video: The Value of Information

Video: Copyright

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