The Big6 Model is currently the most popular model in schools for its simplicity and ease of use. The six big steps are self-explanatory (and the acronym TILUSE may be used to help remember the stages in sequence):
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Under each of these six steps, Eisenberg and Berkowitz have placed two tasks (e.g. task definition entails defining the information problem and identifying the information need). An overview of the entire process model is made available by its authors, detailing the steps and explicating the rationale behind the model’s structure. The systematic nature the model provides to young children is often presented as one of the model’s main advantages. The authors stress that the Big6 is best used in integration with classroom curriculum and activities.
The Super 3 is the early childhood version of the Big6. Like the Big6, the Super3 steps to information literacy are relatively self-explanatory:
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An overview of the entire Super3 process model is made available by its authors.
Quite a few products have been developed to support the Big6 model and educators will be able to find not only books relating to the Big6 in action but also songs, videos, posters, software (such as Big6 Turbo Tools), etc. That is to say, educators choosing to subscribe to this model will not be without options when it comes to selecting materials to purchase for their classrooms and library centers. The Big6 is laudable both for its comprehensive, yet simple approach to the research process and for the many tools and lesson plans that are available that correspond to the Big6 model.
Additional Resources
Books (of which there are many but a few of the most germane are listed below):
Eisenberg, Michael B. and Robert E. Berkowitz. The Big 6 Collection: The Best of the Big6 Newsletter. Worthington, OH: Linworth Publishing, 2000.
Eisenberg, Michael B. and Laura I. Robinson. The Big6 Collection: The Best of the Big6 ENewsletter. Worthington, OH: Linworth Publishing, 2005.
Eisenberg, Michael B. and Robert E. Berkowitz. Information problem-solving : the Big Six skills approach to library and information. Norwood, N.J.: Ablex, 1990.
Eisenberg, Michael B. and Robert E. Berkowitz. The Definitive Big6 Workshop Handbook, 3rd edition. Worthington, OH: Linworth Publishing, 2003.
Eisenberg, Michael. Teaching Information and Technology Skills : The Big 6 in Elementary School. Worthington, OH: Linworth Publishing, 1999.
The Big6 in Action. Portland, OR: Big6 Media, 1999. 1 videocassette (38 min.).
Websites (of which there are many, but a couple of the most helpful are listed below):
Big6
The official Big6 website includes many useful resources including overivews of both the Big6 and the Super 3 as well as a section specifically designed to be used by students known as the Big6 Kids Section.
Online Resources to Support Big6 Information Skills
This Wenatchee School District Big6 website maintained by teacher-librarian Jeanne Barnes provides a Big6 overview as well as ideas about additional resources, projects, and technology.
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