Cross database searching : information literacy for the 'real world'?'

Meeting the 'Real World' information needs of today's students provides a challenge to university libraries. For many libraries part of the solution is the introduction of a cross database searching portal. But these systems raise questions about the quality of information obtained and whether they contribute to the long term information literacy development of students. Examining the process of cross database searching in the light of the Information Literacy Framework leads to conclusions which may assist librarians in ensuring that the introduction of such systems supports the information literacy development of students.