The competent political science researcher is able to:
- Determine the nature and extent of needed information
- Access needed information effectively and efficiently
- Evaluate information and its sources critically, and incorporate selected information into his/her knowledge-base and value system
- Use information effectively to accomplish specific purposes
- Understand many of the economic, legal, and social issues surrounding the use of information, and access and use information ethically and legally
**Adapted from ALA/ACRL/LPSS, “Political Science Research Competency Guidelines,” 2008
