Information Literacy Defined

     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 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