Information Literacy is a set of abilities requiring individuals to “recognize when information is needed and have the ability to locate, evaluate, and use effectively the needed information.”
Information Literacy forms the basis for lifelong learning. It is common to all disciplines, to all learning environments, and to all levels of education. It enables learners to master content and extend their investigations, become more self-directed, and assume greater control over their own learning.
An information literate person is able to:
- Determine the extent of information needed;
- Access the needed information effectively and efficiently;
- Evaluate information and its sources critically;
- Incorporate selected information into one’s knowledge base;
- Use information effectively to accomplish a specific purpose;
- Understand the economic, legal, and social issues surrounding the use of information, and access and use information ethically and legally.
Source: Information literacy competency standards for higher education. (2020).
Reference styles undergo periodic review and can change. Through correct referencing, you acknowledge the author/s contribution to your understanding, and give your reader the opportunity to reproduce your research by following the same cited texts. You also show that you can work with accuracy and rigour by learning and following a set of rules.
There are many different referencing styles available. NDU-K adopted APA style for use. Below is APA 7th edition Style Manual. You’ll find a summary about the key features of a style, how to manage multiple authors, editors, and examples of how to reference different types of resources (books, journal articles, webpages)
APA 7th edition Style Manual – Click to download the guide
To make sure you have the details you need when you need them, you will need to decide on a system to manage your references.
For many students, especially for undergraduate assignments, the easiest way is to set up a Bibliography file that you can keep adding details to as you read. Saving it somewhere you can access it easily from a variety of devices is a good idea – in Google Docs, or Dropbox, for instance.
If you are collecting a lot of references, you might find it easier to use reference management software like EndNote, Zotero or Mendeley. Be aware that any reference management program is only as good as the information you give it! So before you start using any program, it’s important to make sure you have a clear understanding of the type of information you need to include and where you need to put it. If it’s in the wrong place, or it’s the wrong or inaccurate information, the program will not correct it, and it may be more difficult to put right later. Find out more about the options below:
Zotero Reference Management Tool – Click to access the guide
Mendeley Reference Manager – Click to access the guide
Endnote – Click to access the guide
The following provides guidance on what you can and cannot do when using e-resources subscribed by National Defence University-Kenya (NDU-K). The use of these resources is guided by the terms and conditions of licenses, which are legally binding documents agreed with the publisher of each resource.
All NDU-K staff and students should also ensure that they are familiar with the NDU-K Library rules before using e-resources managed by Library Services.
Who is entitled to use the e-resources?
Most e-resource licenses restrict access to the resource to “authorized users.” The definition of authorized user varies from license to license. The majority of licenses define authorized users as:
- Current students
- Members of staff
Authorized users are under no circumstances allowed to provide access to the resources to other individuals.
How should the e-resources be used?
The resources are licensed for educational purposes, i.e. teaching and learning (either face-to-face or distance learning), private study and research.
The resources must not be used for commercial purposes. This includes use for the purpose of monetary reward or by means of the sale or loan of the resource. Research funded by a commercial organization does not constitute commercial research.
Authorized users can:
- Save parts of the resource, e.g. journal articles, electronically for personal use
- Print out single copies of journal articles, etc.
- Distribute single copies of parts of the resource in print or electronic form to other authorized users
- Send occasional articles, chapters and short sections of articles to yourself
- Access e resources through the library website library.ndu.ac.ke and also via the library computers while on campus
- Access e resources while on-campus or off-campus. Authorized users must not:
- Make the resource available to anyone who is not an authorized user
- Display any part of the resource on a publicly accessible website or network
- Make print or electronic copies of multiple extracts
- Systematically download material, e.g. download a copy of every article in a journal in order to create a local archive
- Remove, hide or change copyright notices
- Share passwords to unauthorized users
- Download full text articles and email them to friends outside the institution.
- Use of electronic resources must be consistent with the Centers’ policies on academic honesty.
For example, Users may not:
- Use Electronic Resources to sabotage or plagiarize the work of others;
Breach of license – PLEASE NOT THAT any violation of these terms and conditions might result in immediate termination of this benefits to you and may warrant disciplinary action.
WHEREAS NDU-K has signed an agreement with Research4life that facilitates free unrestricted access by authorized NDU-K (staff and students) users to Research4life database containing electronic resources (i.e. HINARI, AGORA, OARE, ARDI and GOALI) with expensive peer reviewed journals from over 200 reputable publishers.
NOWTHEREFORE as an authorized user, a username and password for access to the Research4life database shall only be issued to you subject to receipt by the Library staff signed and dated copy of this document signifying your acceptance of these terms and conditions.
| Downloading | You shall not download complete journal issues or books for your private and own use or study nor make publicly available any downloaded material. Only limited numbers of articles or chapters from any one journal issue or book can be downloaded up to a maximum of 15% of the issue or book and saved to a local digital memory for your private and own use or study. |
| Printing
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You may print single copies of articles and book chapters from the Material up to a maximum of 15% of the issue or book for your private and own use or study. Printing complete issues of books or journals is expressly prohibited. |
| Document supply
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NDU-K library may supply printed or digital copies of individual journal articles, book chapters and other material belonging to the Publisher available through the Research4Life programmes only to the Institution’s employees or students. Such documents shall not be supplied to any other individuals or organisations outside the Institution and shall not be made available to the public. |
| Username / Passwords | Sharing of the Research4life username and password is expressly prohibited. |
| Access
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For monitoring purpose access to the Research4life database shall only be on your computer whose IP address has been identified below, owned by you and is under the direct control of NDU-K. Remote access from any other computers or digital installations is expressly prohibited. |
| Limited Access
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This benefit is limited to usage in Kenya by virtue of being a HINARI Group A country beneficiary. Access to the Research4Life database whilst travelling outside Kenya is expressly prohibited. |
| Breach
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PLEASE NOTE THAT any violation of these terms and conditions will result in immediate termination of this benefit to you and may warrant disciplinary action |