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
September 9, 2026
Business Research Strategies
Join us for an overview of essential business resources and self-help tools from Lippincott Library to support your academic, career and entrepreneurial goals, from accessing key publications like Harvard Business Review to researching industries and finding financial data.
- 12:00pm - 1:00pm
- Room 247: Joseph B. Glossberg Seminar Room, Van Pelt-Dietrich Library
Open to Penn Students, Faculty, and Staff