2-5

We as college students are surrounded by information yet we do not take advantage of the research capabilities we are supplied with. I agree with the point being made in the article “Information Navigation 101” on the point of college students being somewhat oblivious when it comes to research material and where to go to find accurate information. My first year I had no idea that we had so many resources available in the library and relied on Google or other public websites to draw information. As freshman on the baseball team we were all required ten hours of study hall per week but none of us used the library and the databases that were available because we either did not know how to use them, or we did not know that they were available. I would have classified myself as illiterate as far as scholarly research materials are concerned. A lot of websites seem as if they are scholarly and are good sources, but there is no proof that the information is accurate and can be used in papers etc.
UNCW should implement an information literacy program like Cal State Fullerton did which would allow incoming freshman to gain a solid base for evaluating information and have a chance to be more literate as far as researching. After four years I know which programs are helpful and which type of sites are not helpful in research. But if a class was offered or even mandatory for new students there would be much more information being taken in and a better chance for education.