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Information Literacy: A Definition

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
  • 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

Information literacy includes information technology skills, such as use of computers, software applications, and information retrieval tools, but is a broader area of competence that encompasses the content, analysis and communication of information.

Source: Association of College and Research Libraries, Information Literacy Competency Standards for Higher Education: Standards, Performance Indicators, and Outcomes, January 18, 2000.