What is information Literacy (IL)?
- Information Literacy is the ability to locate, evaluate, and use information effectively from a variety of sources to meet an information need.
Who is Information Literate (IL)?
- Someone who 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
- Access and use information ethically and legally
What are the skills necessary to achieve information literacy?
"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."
(ACRL Information Literacy Competency Standards for Higher Education)
The skills needed to be information literate include:
- using information and library resources both within the library and through electronic means effectively and efficiently
- using information and library resources both within the library and throughelectronic means effectively and efficiently
- selecting the best resource to use to meet an information need, not just those that are most convenient or familiar
- applying critical evaluation and synthesis of selected sources
- citing sources appropriately and accurately
Useful Links
