Read and Write Critically: Information Literacy
Penn students encounter an overwhelming number of complex source materials for their research and coursework. Librarians can help students understand how to sift through and identify credible scholarly works through consultations, workshops, research guides, and partnerships with University Life offices.
Consult with a Librarian
Students are invited to meet with their subject librarian or the librarian assigned to their critical writing course to discuss, among other topics:
- Examining the relevance and credibility of works, including understanding how peer review and other editorial processes shape that credibility.
- Considering, and questioning, traditional indicators of authority, including publication format and venue, author background, and citation counts.
- Learning when and how to cite sources in one’s writing.
Not sure who to contact? Chat with us online, or request a consultation to be matched with a specialist.
More Services
Looking for more ways to get help with your research? Check out these services.
Get Help with Copyright
We can help you understand copyright law and related topics like fair use, the public domain, and open access.Data Literacy
Gain a more nuanced understanding of ethical and equitable approaches to working with data.Data Visualization and Analysis Support
Get help working with qualitative and quantitative data, from cleaning and analysis to mapping and visualization.Publish Your Dissertation
Find resources to guide you through the process of preparing your dissertation for publication.Upcoming Events
List
- Workshop
February 18, 2025
Quack Medicine Then and Now
Learn how quack medicine of the past can help us identify medical misinformation today.
- 3:00pm - 4:00pm
- Gershwind & Bennett Family Collaborative Classroom, Holman Biotech Commons
Open to Penn Students, Faculty, and Staff
- Workshop
February 19, 2025
Introduction to Media Literacy
This workshop will explain corporate media, including streaming platforms, television broadcasting, radio, mass media and the press, and social media.
- 5:00pm - 6:00pm
- Class of '55 Conference Room, Van Pelt-Dietrich Library Center, Second Floor
Open to Penn Students, Faculty, and Staff
- Workshop
March 5, 2025
Information Literacy: How to Research and Cite Information
Learn how to develop skills in evaluating information sources, understanding citations, avoiding plagiarism, upholding academic integrity, and properly creating citations.
- 1:00pm - 2:00pm
- Gershwind & Bennett Family Collaborative Classroom, Stemmler Hall, Holman Biotech Commons, Main Level
Open to Penn Students, Faculty, and Staff