Information literacy is understanding the role of information in gathering and using

G. Wiesen

Last Modified Date: November 09, 2022

Information literacy refers to a person’s ability to understand what information he or she needs to know and then find that information in an effective way. This is often related to other types of literacy or competency in libraries and computer use and is typically a vital part of performing research. While it is important for people to have usable knowledge about various subjects, this type of literacy governs how well someone can discover and process new information. Information literacy has evolved a great deal with the proliferation of personal computers and the Internet, and has become increasingly important to a wider range of individuals.

The foundation of information literacy is in the understanding that there are essentially two types of information a person can access and use. One type of information is what a person actually knows, the knowledge or skills that someone has learned and can practice at any time. The other type of information is knowledge that a person does not necessarily have, but that he or she can find and utilize within a relatively short amount of time. This second type of knowledge is based on that person’s information literacy and how well he or she is able to find accurate and useful information.

Information literacy begins at a young age.

Information literacy can use aspects of computer and library literacy or competency. While libraries were often used as the primary means of gathering new information, the Internet has made computer systems extremely important for information gathering. This means that someone who is information literate typically has a good deal of computer knowledge and literacy, but someone who is technically skilled with computers is not necessarily information literate. Information literacy comes from an understanding of how to use a computer, library, or other system of information to find what someone is looking for and process that information effectively.

Information literacy is how a person processes texts as they read them.

While information literacy is greatly impacted by a person’s ability to find new information, it begins with his or her ability to understand what information is needed in the first place. If someone is performing research, it is essential for him or her to understand what information he or she should be looking for, to eliminate distractions and unimportant data. This aspect of information literacy has become increasingly important as Internet search engines can find thousands of pages of information, but only a small number of them might actually be useful information for someone’s needs. Understanding what is needed, and learning to quickly filter out the unimportant or unrelated, is just as important as being able to search for the information.

"Information Literacy in a Nutshell" created by David L. Rice Library on YouTube. Accessed 2016.

Information literacy is a set of abilities requiring individuals to "recognize when information is needed and have the ability to locate, evaluate, and use effectively the needed information." 1 Information literacy also is increasingly important in the contemporary environment of rapid technological change and proliferating information resources. Because of the escalating complexity of this environment, individuals are faced with diverse, abundant information choices--in their academic studies, in the workplace, and in their personal lives. Information is available through libraries, community resources, special interest organizations, media, and the Internet--and increasingly, information comes to individuals in unfiltered formats, raising questions about its authenticity, validity, and reliability. In addition, information is available through multiple media, including graphical, aural, and textual, and these pose new challenges for individuals in evaluating and understanding it. The uncertain quality and expanding quantity of information pose large challenges for society. The sheer abundance of information will not in itself create a more informed citizenry without a complementary cluster of abilities necessary to use information effectively.

Information literacy is a set of abilities requiring individuals to "recognize when information is needed and have the ability to locate, evaluate, and use effectively the needed information." Information Literacy Competency Standards for Higher Education. American Library Association. 2006. (Accessed June 4, 2013). Library instruction sessions, LibGuides and the Research 101 course are based on these standards. Information literacy skills are essential in today's world. Student development of information literacy is a process that spans the entire college experience.

Information literacy is knowing when and why you need information, where to find it, and how to evaluate, use and communicate it in an ethical manner.
http://www.cilip.org.uk/cilip/advocacy-campaigns-awards/advocacy-campaigns/information-literacy/information-literacy

Information literacy is the ability to recognize the extent and nature of an information need, then to locate, evaluate, and effectively use the needed information. (Plattsburgh State Information and Computer Literacy Task Force, 2001)
http://www.plattsburgh.edu/library/instruction/informationliteracydefinition.php

Information literacy forms the basis for lifelong learning. It is common to all disciplines, to all learning environments, and to all levels of education. It enables learners to master content and extend their investigations, become more self-directed, and assume greater control over their own learning. An information literate individual is able to:

• 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

(from Unitec Institute of Technology in New Zealand)

• Information literacy is…..the set of skills enabling students to recognize when they need information, how to competently locate it from appropriate sources and evaluate its use and potential. Being able to critically evaluate and effectively use information does not just create successful students, it makes them independent lifelong learners, helping them succeed in the workplace and beyond.
   

Through IL instruction, students learn to:​

• Recognize the need for information and determines the nature and extent of the information needed.
• Find needed information effectively and efficiently.
• Critically evaluate information and the information seeking process.
• Manage information collected or generated.
• Apply prior and new information to construct new concepts or create new understandings.
• Use information with understanding and acknowledge cultural, ethical, economic, legal, and social issues surrounding the use of information.
   

What is your understanding of information literacy?

Is understanding the role of information in generating and using?

What is the purpose of information literacy?

Is the understanding the role of information in generating and using business intelligence?