Information Now, Second Edition: A Graphic Guide to Student Research and Web Literacy

Today’s information environments are complex, and learning how to find relevant and reliable information online, as well as how to fact-check and evaluate that information, is essential. Enter Information Now, a graphic guide that uses humor and sequential art to teach students about information, research, and the web. 

This second edition of the popular guide incorporates critical analysis of information systems, asking students to think about the biases and problems in how databases and search engines are designed and used. It also addresses how different populations of people are disproportionately affected by the algorithmic biases built into information systems. And it includes revised critical thinking exercises in every chapter.

Written and revised by library professionals, Information Now is a fun and insightful tool for high school and college students, writers, and anyone wanting to improve their research skills.
 

Table of Contents:
Preface

Introduction: Information Overload

1    The Process: Steps to Finding and Using the Right Information. Anytime. Anywhere.

2    How Information Is Organized and Found: The Basics

3    Searching for Library Resources: Understanding the Hunt for Information

4    Journals and Databases

5    Searching the Open Web

6    Evaluating Your Sources

7    Using Information Ethically

Conclusion

Acknowledgments

Glossary

About the Author :
Matt Upson is Associate Dean for Research & Learning Services at the Oklahoma State University Libraries. Holly Luetkenhaus is the Director for Teaching and Learning at the Oklahoma State University Libraries. C. Michael Hall is a writer, cartoonist, and public speaker who advocates for comics and graphic novels in libraries. Kevin Cannon is the illustrator of numerous educational and fictional graphic texts.


 

Review :
“Information Now equips undergraduate students with essential research strategies and tools as they navigate the complex information world. It scaffolds the research process through real-world examples, good humor, and helpful exercises. The authors have packed their many years of information literacy teaching wisdom into this short graphic guide—the comic-book style engages college readers and makes the learning experience enjoyable.” “Upson and Luetkenhaus have energized the second edition with critical issues for today’s global citizen. The addition and breakdown of algorithmic bias, the SIFT method of fact-checking on the web, and the nuances of Wikipedia are incredibly important for students and lifelong learners alike to engage with and integrate into their daily use of information platforms. A wonderful addition to any high school or college information literacy curriculum.” “Information Now is an ideal antidote for students navigating the complex and often overwhelming world of university-level research. Newly updated to address the intricacies of a digital information landscape, this graphic guide is essential both for students producing research projects and for librarians teaching critical information and digital literacies. With relatable dialogue and engaging graphics, this creative approach to the many levels of the research process will draw in even the wariest student researcher.” “The updated version of Information Now takes readers on a fast-paced ride through the world of information. In addition to covering the basics, this book takes a fresh approach to integrating complex issues related to privacy, equity, and bias into all aspects of the information ecosystem. Information Now offers a fun read and complements any instruction program by transforming abstract concepts into practical applications through critical thinking exercises, engaging graphics, and sharp text.” "While the treatment is novel, and quite a departure from the usual academic presentation, the material is right on the mark. Once you adjust your “textbook” expectations, the authors present you with a most readable, highly organized, and quite thorough exploration of research methodologies covering all aspects from the Dewey Decimal system to advanced Web searches; from ethics and validity to bias and misinformation. . . . Having taught college composition classes, I would highly recommend Information Now as a superb companion text. The relatable dialogue, engaging graphics, and creative approach to the subject matter will keep students reading and even enjoying the book."