Kildekompetence

Kildekompetence, used in Danish and Norwegian educational contexts, refers to the ability to locate, evaluate, interpret, and responsibly use information from diverse sources. It includes recognizing information needs, searching effectively, assessing credibility and relevance, and applying information ethically and legally, including proper citation. Kildekompetence is considered essential for learning, problem solving, and informed participation in society.

It covers both traditional and digital sources and encompasses critical appraisal of authority, accuracy, currency, bias, and provenance. Skills include understanding publication context, distinguishing fact from opinion, synthesizing information from multiple sources, and avoiding plagiarism. It also involves knowledge of copyright, licensing, and fair use to ensure legal and ethical reuse of material.

Development and education: Kildekompetence is taught across lifelong learning, from school curricula to higher education and continuing professional development. Libraries, educators, and information professionals play a key role in providing instruction, resources, and assessment tools. Frameworks for information literacy—often aligned with digital literacy and media literacy—guide curriculum design and assessment.

Challenges include information overload, misinformation, and varying levels of access and expertise. Language, cultural, and disciplinary differences can affect evaluation. Equity-focused approaches and accessible design help mitigate these barriers, as do explicit instruction, rubrics, and authentic tasks that require students to locate, evaluate, and apply sources.

Significance: Kildekompetence supports academic integrity, evidence-based decision making, and democratic participation. It intersects with information literacy, media literacy, and digital literacy, and is increasingly integrated into curricula, professional standards, and lifelong learning initiatives.