Using Wikipedia to Teach Information Literacy

Abstract

Today?s college student often starts his/her research by using a search engine. Because of this, Wikipedia is increasingly becoming the go-to reference resource for the newest generation of students. However, many students do not know about the problems (e.g., vandalism) associated with this tool other than ambiguous warnings from librarians and faculty who say that it should not be used for research. Librarians and faculty should help remove the stigma associated with Wikipedia by embracing this website and its imperfections as a way to make information literacy instruction valuable for the 21st century student.