1.2 Information Literacy
What Is Information Literacy?
As defined by the American Library Association, 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” (American Library Association Presidential Committee on Information Literacy: Final Report, 1989). Information literacy is crucial to learning and personal development in the 21st century.
The Digital Competency Framework produced by the MEQ in April 2019 “sets out the key dimensions of learning and personal development in the 21st century—for learners as well as teachers and non-teaching professionals” (p. 7).
What does it mean to be information literate for our students?
“Information Literacy means to me that students are critical thinkers. They are able to locate information, will challenge what they read and the sources of their information. They think about the content, where it came from and the context in which it is being used. Students should be able to convey this information to others in a way that is appropriate. Students should also be able generalize this information in their daily lives."
Source: Kyra Kreinbrook (@kkreinbrook), Coordinator of Library Services and Instructional Resources, Montgomery County Schools (MD, Britanica Digital Learning