How can you apply information literacy to enhance your problem-solving skills?

2 Search for information

The next step is to search for information that is relevant, reliable, and current. You should use a variety of sources, such as books, journals, websites, databases, and experts, and use appropriate keywords, filters, and strategies to narrow down your search results. You should also evaluate the credibility, accuracy, and bias of the information sources, and check the date, author, publisher, and references of the information. For example, if you are looking for statistics on customer satisfaction, you should use reputable sources, such as government agencies, industry associations, or academic journals, and compare different data sets and methods.

3 Organize and synthesize information

The third step is to organize and synthesize the information you have found, and make sense of it in relation to your problem. You should sort, classify, and label the information, and use tools, such as outlines, charts, tables, or diagrams, to visualize and summarize it. You should also synthesize the information, which means combining and integrating different pieces of information to create new insights and perspectives. For example, if you are preparing a report on customer satisfaction, you should organize the statistics by categories, such as demographics, products, or regions, and synthesize them to identify trends, patterns, or gaps.

4 Apply and communicate information

The final step is to apply and communicate the information you have organized and synthesized, and solve your problem. You should use the information to support your arguments, decisions, or recommendations, and cite your sources properly to avoid plagiarism and acknowledge the original authors. You should also communicate the information effectively, using clear, concise, and coherent language, and appropriate tone, style, and format. For example, if you are preparing a report on customer satisfaction, you should apply the statistics to highlight the strengths and weaknesses of your company's products or services, and communicate them using graphs, charts, or tables, and a formal and persuasive tone.

By applying information literacy to your problem-solving skills, you can enhance your performance as an administrative assistant, and demonstrate your value and professionalism to your boss and clients. Information literacy can help you find, evaluate, and use information efficiently and ethically, and solve problems creatively and critically.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?