A Big6 Skills Overview (by Mike Eisenberg)

The Big6

The Big6 is a process model of how people of all ages solve an information problem. From practice and study, we found that successful information problem-solving encompasses six stages with two sub-stages under each:

1. Task Definition

1.1 Define the information problem

1.2 Identify information needed in order to complete the task (to solve the information problem)

2. Information Seeking Strategies

2.1 Determine the range of possible sources (brainstorm)

2.2 Evaluate the different possible sources to determine priorities (select the best sources)

3. Location and Access

3.1 Locate sources (intellectually and physically)

3.2 Find information within sources

4. Use of Information

4.1 Engage (e.g., read, hear, view, touch) the information in a source

4.2 Extract relevant information from a source

5. Synthesis

5.1 Organize information from multiple sources

5.2 Present the information

6. Evaluation

6.1 Judge the product (effectiveness)

6.2 Judge the information problem-solving process (efficiency)

Useful Questions to Ask

Adapt the Big6 Process

In this column, rewrite the Big6 steps in your own language as they apply to the current assignment. You would, for example, “Define your task” in the first step. For a writing assignment, you might write “Choose subject.” Using the actual Big6 process on the left, write your own Big6 steps. Be sure to begin each sub point with a verb that describes what you should do.

1.