Information Literacy
What is Information Literacy?
The American Library Association (ALA) has
defined information literacy as the ability of an individual to "recognize
when information is needed and have the ability to locate, evaluate, and use
effectively the needed information." Informaiton literacy is not only an
essential skill required of students but to all individuals. In today's current
environment of complex and continual technological change, individuals in all
stages of life are faced with tremendous information sources and choices. Recognizing
the need for information and possessing the skills to locate and evaluate information
is an essential skill needed in all aspects of an indivuals's life: as a student,
an employee and in their day to day personal lives.
Information literacy is the core of lifelong learning. The Association
of College and Research Libraries (ACRL)
identifies six skills an information literate individual is able to do:
- Determine the extent of information needed
- Access the needed information effectively and efficiently
- Evaluate information and its sources critically
- Incorporate selected information into one’s knowledge base
- Use information effectively to accomplish a specific purpose
- Understand the economic, legal, and social issues surrounding the use of
information, and access and use
information ethically and legally
The Association of College and Research Libraries has identified
five Information Literacy
Competency Standards for
Higher Education. This document was approved by the ACRL Board on January 18,
2000 and names the standard, lists performance indicators and expected outcomes
for each standard.
The American Association of School Librarians and the Association
for Education Communications Technology
(AECT) has adopted Nine
Information Literacy Standards for Student Learning.
Maintained by Susan Mee.
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